New Zealand’s road freight industry is warning of tough times ahead, with most operators expecting little improvement in their financial situation over the next year.
The findings come from the 2025 National Road Freight Industry Survey, conducted by Research NZ for Transporting New Zealand. It surveyed 194 respondents across 128 businesses and is the most extensive industry snapshot in over a decade.
Only 34% of respondents said they expected their financial situation to improve over the next 12 months, and just one in four reported having sustainable operating margins. Nearly half (47%) believed the Government was on the right economic track, while 25% disagreed and 27% were unsure.
“Company liquidations in the transport sector were up by 79% last year, and the ANZ Truckometer Heavy Traffic Index for June 2024 recorded its biggest monthly drop on record, excluding Covid-19 lockdowns,” Transporting NZ policy and advocacy head Billy Clemens says.
“The survey results, combined with the tough economic data, really highlight the need for infrastructure investment from the Government to support growth, as well as resource management reform that helps support new jobs and overseas investment.”
Health and safety, rest stop availability, and an ageing workforce were also top concerns. A total 78% of operators said there were not enough purpose-designed rest areas, and 72% highlighted the need for better work-life balance for drivers.
Nearly half of respondents (47%) said up to a quarter of their drivers could retire or leave the industry within five years.
Concern over infrastructure was widespread. The vast majority (93%) said poor road maintenance was putting truck drivers and road users at risk. Many (84%) believed regional roads and bridges were being neglected, while 79% cited delays to Cook Strait ferry replacements as a major issue.
A mismatch between industry and public perceptions of truck drivers also emerged.
Nearly half of those surveyed (49%) believed the public views professional drivers negatively. But a separate Research NZ poll of 1000 New Zealanders found 52% had a positive view of truck drivers, and just 7% held a negative one.
“It’s encouraging to see such widespread public support for truck drivers, and Transporting New Zealand will be highlighting this in our advocacy – especially as we push for better public facilities for drivers and policies that support the long-term sustainability of freight businesses,” Clemens says.
*Email billy@transporting.nz for a full copy of the survey.
