Frequently asked questions

There are many jobs available at entry level. Companies have administration roles as well as supervisory and managerial roles for those with more experience.

Types of jobs in road transport and logistics

No! There are great roles for everyone. Trucks are lighter to handle now and don't require the physical strength needed in the past. There are lots of women behind the wheel of big rigs. There are excellent roles for women in logistics and freight forwarding roles and in passenger transport (buses and taxis). There's no reason why women can't enjoy the many and varied roles in the ports and stevedoring sector.

The best way to get a job is to get out there and meet people in the industries.

Here are some tips:

• visit workplaces in the industry you are interested. If you want to drive trucks show some initiative and visit a transport operator in your region. Talk over prospects and see if it is for you. Show you are interested and head out with a driver
• you may be able to take a part-time or holiday job where you can learn first hand what is involved
• talk to your friends and family, they may have contacts who can help you
• contact Tranzqual on 0800 4QUALS (0800 478257) or email: office@tranzqual.org.nz.

You could also try websites such as:

• www.busjobs.co.nz
• www.truckingjobs.co.nz

On the job experience such as driving other vehicles, working at ports, in warehouses or stores counts the most and will help you to get a job. Assisting courier or truck drivers is another way of getting some experience.

It's important to get started on the way to a full licence while you are at school.

Get your full driver licence – an important first step

You can begin the process of getting your full Class 1 licence when you are 15.

Theoretically if you start your Class 1 licence when you are 15 you could achieve a full Class 1 licence by the time you are 16.5 years. You could then start your Class 2 when you are 17. You need to have held any full licence for at least six months before you can progress to the next licence stage. And remember to keep it clean – drive well to avoid demerit points.

Getting a heavy vehicle licence [NZ Transport Agency]

There is no age restriction on the licence however you must hold a full Class 1 driver licence for at least six months to start the process of getting the first heavy vehicle licence (Class 2).

There are a number of registered driver training schools throughout New Zealand that have trainers who can help you achieve your licence requirements.

To get details of registered driver training schools in your area contact Tranzqual on 0800 4QUALS (0800 478257) or email: office@tranzqual.org.nz.

A clean driver licence isn't one you wash regularly. It's a licence with no demerit points.

If you want a job as a driver it's important to show you're good at it. An employer will be looking for a responsible and safe driver to drive a $400,000 rig. They want a driver who can deliver freight on time, safely and lawfully. That means being able to work within work time requirements, without speeding, as well as having goods correctly loaded.

Having a clean licence and a history of driving within the law is a good way to show you can be trusted.

Work time and log book regulations [NZ Transport Agency]

Some polytechnics run entry level courses.

These courses are a useful first step on the way to employment and enhance your chances of getting a job. As part of the course they ensure students sit their Class 2 heavy vehicle licence and forklift licence; as well as other subjects such as first aid.

The aim of these courses is for you to be work ready, reducing the training time an employer would need to give you. For example, if you completed the course you would have the forklift skills to take an entry level position.

For information on courses, costs and course times visit:

• Bay of Plenty Polytechnic
• Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)
• Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT)
• Whitireia Community Polytechnic.

You don't have to go to a polytechnic and do a course. Some people do go straight into a job but training does give you an advantage over other job candidates.

Yes there are apprenticeships in these industries, provided under the Modern Apprenticeships programme.

A Modern Apprentice is someone who is engaged in an apprenticeship working towards a national qualification.

The way to become a Modern Apprentice is to first get a job with an employer who is willing to provide an opportunity for you to earn while you learn new skills.

Learn more about the Modern Apprenticeships programme

There are no specific educational requirements for apprenticeships in these industries; however, basic language, literacy and numeracy skills are important. Most workers need to show initiative and commitment to their job. Being punctual, presentable and a team player also help.

Learn more about the Modern Apprenticeships programme

Pay always depends on your work experience and knowledge.

Truck drivers can earn between $13 and $25 an hour which can lead to a gross income of between $35,000 and $65,000 a year. This varies depending on time in the job and experience. Owner operators can make between $50,000 and $80,000 profit a year.

Bus driver's pay varies but they can usually earn between $13 and $17 an hour, depending on experience. Urban bus drivers could earn up to $48,000 a year, or more by working overtime.

Couriers can earn between $50,000 and $80,000 profit per year depending on the region they are based. Most are self-employed and work on contract.

Freight forwarders earn between $30,000 and $55,000 a year depending on experience and responsibility.

Warehouse workers can earn between $25,000 and $32,000 per year depending on their level of responsibility. Warehouse managers usually earn between $50,000 and $90,000 per year.

At the ports, stevedores earn between $45,000 and $55,000 per year depending on the hours they work and whether they are permanent or casual workers. This salary can increase to between $65,000 and $90,000 a year for those in positions of responsibility.

An apprentice must negotiate his or her salary with their employer. There is a minimum wage an apprentice is entitled to.

Pay – rights and responsibilities [Department of Labour]

(The pay examples above have been sourced from industry during May 2008; they are indicative and subject to change.)

As well as taking you all over New Zealand, truck driving offers a range of career paths. With experience you could purchase your own truck or trucks and run your own business. With qualifications under your belt, you could become an operations manager in a large trucking company. You may decide to change to bus driving or taxi driving later on. Experience as a driver could also lead you into the training, transport operations/management, freight forwarding or logistics sectors.

Stevedores handle cargo on and off ships at ports. They operate a variety of heavy machinery to load, unload, tally and stow the cargo of a ship. They are skilled port workers.

Logistics is the flow and storage of goods and materials from where they were produced to where they are needed. Logistics integrates transportation (on road, sea and air) warehousing and cargo-handling.

As long as you're good at what you do, there'll be no problems getting a job in the road transport and logistics sectors.

Forecasted figures show a major shortage of truck drivers in New Zealand over the next decade - in all parts of the country. There's a shortage of bus drivers because more and more commuters are taking the bus to work and as New Zealand's tourist industry grows. There'll always be roles at ports because New Zealand imports and exports so many goods. Someone has to manage the warehousing and movement of all the stuff that's being shifted - so there are plenty of good roles in freight forwarding and logistics too.