Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Trucking Down Under Dubbed "Sweatshops"

A trucker-turned-academic whose book "Sweatshops on Wheels" has proved controversial in the American trucking industry testified recently about the sad shape of working conditions for Australian drivers

by Staff
July 28, 2000
2 min to read


A trucker-turned-academic whose book "Sweatshops on Wheels" has proved controversial in the American trucking industry testified recently about the sad shape of working conditions for Australian drivers.

Michael Belzer spoke at a public inquiry into the long haul transport industry in Australia, undertaken by the New South Wales Motor Accidents Authority on Safety. He said drivers in both the U.S. and Australia feel pressure to get the load to its destination on time, or face losing their jobs. He also said in order to stay awake, Australian drivers often rely on drugs that are not currently tested for in that country.
"Drivers who take drugs yo-yo on uppers and downers to prevent fatigue, which is unsafe, but we in the U.S. have introduced drug testing -- on demand, random, for cause and post-accident testing -- that has reduced the amount of drug-taking," he said, according to Associated Press reports. "Drivers now have to pee in a cup on demand in the U.S. – which you don't have here -- and that has helped, but it runs against the grain and is seen as an intrusion of privacy."
The inquiry was also told that an analysis of deaths among Transport Workers Union members identified suicide as a major cause of death, coming in at 10 percent of its members.
A survey of 300 long distance truckers done by the TWU found that 78 percent had spent two nights or fewer a week with their families, and that two out of three drivers said their job was putting pressure on their personal lives. Pressures included long hours, poor pay, lack of family time, financial pressures and relationship breakdowns.
(For more, see "Aussie Truckers Reveal Corrupt Working Conditions.")

Topics:Equipment

More Equipment

2026 Mack Granite interior.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 11, 2026

New Mack Granite Cab Puts Driver Comfort Front and Center

Mack’s next-generation vocational truck features a roomier cab, premium seating, advanced steering technology, and a driver-focused interior designed with direct input from professional operators.

Read More →
Mack Trucks Pioneer Nascar Salutes truck.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 11, 2026

Mack Unveils Fan-Selected Patriotic NASCAR Pioneer Wraps

Racing fans picked the patriotic design now featured on three Mack Pioneer trucks hauling NASCAR equipment across the country during the 2026 season.

Read More →
Michelin X Line Grip D tires.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 9, 2026

Michelin Expands X Line Grip D Tire Line

Michelin is expanding its X Line Grip D drive tire lineup with a new pre-mold retread and additional sizes, building on what the company says is strong fleet adoption of the tire's traction, mileage, and fuel-efficiency benefits.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of SCR/DEF system on heavy-duty truck
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 4, 2026

Engine Technology Forum Launches SCR, DEF Resource Center Amid Emissions Debate

The Engine Technology Forum’s new online hub aims to provide fleets, policymakers, and equipment owners with fact-based information about selective catalytic reduction technology, diesel exhaust fluid and emissions compliance.

Read More →
Artist rendering of dealership with trucks and trailers parked outside
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 2, 2026

Prime Inc. to Open $7.9M Flagship Used-Truck Dealership

A new driver-focused facility to sell Prime Inc's used trucks and trailers will be the first purpose-built location in the company's history.

Read More →
Red Kenworth truck pulling Paper Transport trailer
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeJune 2, 2026

Lessons Learned About Alternative Fuels: Start Small, Stay Flexible

Practical advice on adopting alternative fuels and ZEVs from HDT's 2026 Top Green Fleets, from renewable diesel and natural gas to electric trucks.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Kenworth T680.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseMay 27, 2026

Kenworth Names Peter Ahrens General Manager

Leadership changes at Kenworth take effect July 1 as the OEM promotes two longtime Paccar executives to key management roles.

Read More →
White Hino Le electric tractor on show floor
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseMay 26, 2026

Hino Adds Electric Class 6/7 Truck

Hino says the Le Series is an important step in the company's efforts to reduce environmental impact and support its customers’ sustainability goals.

Read More →
Big standing "ACTExpo" sign in convention center lobby
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeMay 26, 2026

ACT Expo 2026: Highlights in Photos

The 2026 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo featured a broad range of commercial vehicle technologies, from EVs to autonomous trucks to the latest diesel and alternative-fuel engines.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Red Hendrickson e-axle at ACT Expo booth
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseMay 22, 2026

Hendrickson Debuts Electraax E-Axle for Medium-Duty Trucks

Developed with Driventic, Hendrickson's new integrated e-axle is designed to improve efficiency, reduce weight, and extend range in Class 6-7 EV applications.

Read More →