Transport is an essential industry that we all rely heavily on in our day-to-day lives. From the shoes on your feet, to the cereal you ate for breakfast, to the screen you’re reading this article on right now – transportation played a huge role in ensuring you could access the right products, at the right place, at the right time.
The Australian transport sector has an overwhelming estimated annual revenue of $101.51 billion! Plus, it employs more than half a million people. These are some big numbers, but it’s really no surprise, given how vast and diverse the industry is.
Due to the immense physical size of our country, it’s not always easy to move people and freight quickly and efficiently. Therefore, the transport industry plays a vital role in keeping our economy running.
Career paths and jobs within the transport industry
Transportation is a broad and exciting field, that offers a realm of stimulating and rewarding career paths and opportunities. It encompasses moving people, goods, and materials from point A to point B via land, sea, or air travel. So, really…the sky is limit.
Learning about the variety of roles, can help determine if transport is the right career choice for you. So, we’ve collated a list of in demand transport jobs we commonly see advertised. Plus, the average base salary you can expect to receive for these positions:
Bus Driver- AU$65,000
Operations Manager - AU$107,500
Heavy Truck Driver - AU$64,996
Commercial Pilot - AU$99,159
Logistics Manager - AU$86,954
Fleet Manager- AU$108,562
Warehouse Manager - AU$64,500
Delivery Driver - AU$63,673
Forklift Operator - AU$53,322
Transport Manager - AU$104,604
*Updated: July 10, 2022
What are the benefits of working in transportation?
Job security - Due to the growing nature of this booming field, job security is generally high. Plus, as businesses expand to meet customer demand, there’s also the prospect for job growth and career progression.
Learning and development - Transport workers learn and develop many transferable skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork and management. These valuable skills will serve you well throughout your career and life, regardless of the path you choose to take.
Flexibility - Unlike typical 9-5 jobs, the transport industry never sleeps. Businesses require employees to work round the clock. This can include weekend, early morning, evening, and overnight shifts. This offers greater working flexibility, allowing you to mould your work schedule around the hours that suit you. Plus, if you’re prepared to work these irregular hours, there’s plenty of opportunity to be rewarded with overtime and higher pay-rates.
Job fulfilment - Individuals who work in the transport sector, generally experience high levels of job fulfilment. It’s a hands-on-role where you see first-hand the positive impact you’re making on the world. Transport is the backbone of Australia’s economy and essential to keeping things running smoothly. When you choose a career in transport, you’re effectively playing a small but vital role in a much bigger picture.
What skills do I need for a successful career in transportation?
The Transport and Logistics IRC’s 2019 Skills Forecast recognised the highest priority skills in this diverse sector as:
Health and safety
Operational skills
Compliance
Digital skills.
Additionally, the skills we often see requested by our clients are:
Analytical and organisational skills
Communication skills
Driven, self-motivated with time management skills
Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
At this point, I think we can conclude that a career in transport is not only a good choice, but a great one. From entry-level positions to highly experienced senior and managerial roles, the transport sector can offer something for everyone.
Let us take the wheel and steer you towards a successful and financially rewarding career within the transport and logistics industry. Browse through our newly listed transport jobs here.