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Employer guide

Hire a Heavy Vehicle Driver in Australia

To hire a heavy vehicle driver, specify the licence class and vehicle, plan rosters inside the fatigue rules and confirm the transport award. CrossNation recruits heavy vehicle drivers for employers across Australia. The fee is 12% of the annual salary, charged only on a successful placement.

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By CrossNation Editorial Team. Sources checked 6 October 2026.

  • 12% of annual salary

    Charged only when a placement succeeds. No placement, no fee.

  • 90-day placement guarantee

    See our terms.

Official data

Key facts from official sources

What you need to know

How do you check licences and driving history?

State and territory authorities issue the licence class: heavy rigid (HR), heavy combination (HC) or multi-combination (MC). Sight the licence, note the class and any conditions, and record the check. Ask about experience on the vehicle type you run, such as tippers, tankers, car carriers, livestock or refrigerated freight, and whether the person holds a dangerous goods licence or forklift licence if needed. Many operators also check driving records, run drug and alcohol testing and require a medical. Make the requirements part of the position description so everyone starts from the same facts.

What do fatigue rules mean for rostering?

The Heavy Vehicle National Law sets work and rest rules for fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator says it applies in every state and territory except Western Australia and the Northern Territory, so check the local arrangements there. Drivers of fatigue-regulated vehicles must keep records of work and rest, and employers, schedulers and others in the chain of responsibility share duties for compliance. Plan rosters within the rules, decide whether you use written or electronic work diaries and train drivers in them. Describe trip lengths, nights away and waiting times so candidates know what the job is like.

Which award and pay structure will you use?

Many heavy vehicle drivers are covered by the Road Transport and Distribution Award [MA000038], the Road Transport (Long Distance Operations) Award [MA000039] for long distance work or an enterprise agreement. These set overtime, allowances and breaks. If you pay by the kilometre or by the load, check that the arrangement still satisfies the award and covers waiting time and overnight stays. We do not publish pay figures here. Confirm the instrument and cost the role using the Fair Work Pay Calculator.

What should you cover when a new driver starts?

Check the vehicle type and ride along or supervised runs for the first trips. Cover load restraint, pre-start checks, the work diary or electronic system, incident and breakdown procedures, and customer site rules. Explain route planning, fuel and tolls arrangements and how to report fatigue or a vehicle defect without penalty. Confirm who to call out of hours. Drivers stay with operators who plan rosters realistically and respond when they raise safety issues, so make that part of your onboarding.

Before you brief a recruiter: heavy vehicle driver checklist

Checklist

  • Specify the licence class and vehicle type
  • Sight and record the licence and any conditions
  • Decide driving record, medical and drug and alcohol testing requirements
  • Plan rosters within fatigue rules and choose the work diary system
  • Describe trip lengths, nights away and waiting time
  • Confirm the award or agreement and any per-kilometre arrangement

Tell us the role, location and start date

The fee is 12% of the candidate's annual salary, charged only when a placement succeeds.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who is responsible for fatigue compliance?

Drivers, operators, schedulers and others in the chain of responsibility share duties under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. Check your state's arrangements and the regulator's guidance.

Can I hire a driver with an overseas licence?

Rules on using or converting an overseas licence differ by state and class. Confirm with the licensing authority before the person drives for you.

Can I pay drivers by the kilometre?

Only if the arrangement still meets the award or agreement, including overtime, breaks and waiting time. Check it against the instrument.

How does CrossNation charge to recruit a heavy vehicle driver?

The fee is 12% of the candidate's annual salary, charged only when a placement succeeds, and placements carry a 90-day placement guarantee. There is no charge to send a brief. CrossNation recruits heavy vehicle drivers for employers across Australia, and you can send the role, location and start date through the employer enquiry form.

Can I recruit an overseas heavy vehicle driver through CrossNation?

CrossNation recruits sponsorship-ready overseas candidates for employers that want them. Driver licence conversion and fatigue training are separate from any visa, and transport roles are treated differently on skilled lists. The employer holds or obtains its own approval, and CrossNation cannot promise a visa, an approval or a job. This is general information, not migration advice. Speak to a registered migration agent.

What should I verify before I offer a heavy vehicle driver the job?

The right heavy vehicle licence class is required. Drivers of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles must follow work and rest rules and keep records. For a heavy vehicle driver, the award that commonly applies is the Road Transport and Distribution Award (MA000038), but coverage depends on your industry and the person's duties, so confirm it with the Fair Work Ombudsman before you set the offer. Keep a copy of any licence, registration or check you sight for your heavy vehicle driver, and confirm their right to work in Australia before they start.

Related

Sources (accessed 6 October 2026)