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Truck drivers and automation: A methodology for identifying and supporting workforce transition in the Australian road freight sector

Author

Listed:
  • Bratanova, A.
  • Mason, C.
  • Evans, D.
  • Schleiger, E.
  • Grimberg, E.
  • Walker, G.
  • Pham, H.
  • Bulled, K.

Abstract

The transition to autonomous trucks (ATs) is coming, and although it is expected to be gradual, it will create both challenges and opportunities for the existing driver workforce. This paper presents a novel integrated methodology for identifying viable occupational transitions for truck drivers as transport automation advances. Unlike traditional workforce transition analyses that focus primarily on skill similarity, wages, and employment demand, this methodology incorporates four integrated components: task-level automation analysis, skill similarity assessment, labour market conditions analysis, and empirical validation using historical transition patterns.

Suggested Citation

  • Bratanova, A. & Mason, C. & Evans, D. & Schleiger, E. & Grimberg, E. & Walker, G. & Pham, H. & Bulled, K., 2026. "Truck drivers and automation: A methodology for identifying and supporting workforce transition in the Australian road freight sector," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:trapol:v:176:y:2026:i:c:s0967070x25004500
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2025.103907
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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