Frequently Asked Questions
What types of jobs are there in the road transport and logistics industries?
There are many jobs available at entry level. Companies have administration roles as well as supervisory and managerial roles for those with more experience.
Jobs include:
- Truck driver e.g. heavy haulage, ground spreading, livestock, tanker, line haulage, logging truck driver
- Courier driver
- Taxi driver
- Bus driver e.g. urban/metro, school bus, charter, tourist coach
- Forklift driver
- Freight forwarding e.g. clerk, supervisor
- Warehouse storeman, supervisors and managers
- Port worker
- Tug and pilot boat operators
- Cargo handlers and ship loading
Are jobs in road transport and logistics just for blokes?
No! There are great roles for everyone. Trucks are lighter to handle now and don't require the physical strength needed in the past so there are lots of women behind the wheel of big rigs. There are excellent roles for women in passenger transport (buses and taxis) and in logistics and freight forwarding roles. And there's no reason why women can't enjoy the many and varied roles in the ports and stevedoring sector.
What kind of licence do I need?
First of all you need a full Class 1 (light motor vehicle) driver licence to get your first job in the industries. Visit www.ltsa.govt.nz/licensing/car/index.html for information on how to obtain this licence.
You need to have held your full licence for at least six months to carry on and apply for the next licence (heavy vehicle Class 2) which is the first of the licences allowing you to drive bigger vehicles.
Most truck drivers hold a Class 1 licence as well as Class 2, 4 and 5. You need a Class 5 to drive the really big rigs. If you want more in-depth information on how to obtain heavy vehicle driver licences go to www.ltsa.govt.nz/factsheets/70.
Some jobs also require the transporting of hazardous goods. The driver needs to have completed a course in the transportation of dangerous goods before their licence can be endorsed to allow them to do so legally.
How quickly can I get my heavy vehicle licence?
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.
Visit Land Transport New Zealand for detailed information on heavy vehicle licences.
How old do I have to be to get a heavy vehicle licence?
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).
Are there driver training schools that can help me get my licence?
There are a number of registered driver training schools throughout New Zealand that have trainers who can help you achieve your licence requirements. For a comprehensive list visit www.tranzqual.org.nz/trainers-assessors/.
Is there a polytech course I can do that will help me get a job?
Some polytechs run entry level courses. Visit www.boppoly.ac.nz/go/programmes/, www.whitireia.ac.nz, or www.cpit.ac.nz/subjects/driving_and_transport for further information on these courses, costs and course times.
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 both ensure students sit their Class 2 heavy vehicle licence, forklift licence as well as other subjects such as first aid.
The aim of the courses is for you to be work ready - it reduces 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.
Do I have to complete an entry level course?
You don’t have to go to a polytech and do a course. Some people do go straight into a job without the training but it does give you an advantage over other job candidates.
How do I get a job in the road transport and logistics industries?
The best way to get a job is to get out there and meet people in the industries.
Here are some tips:
- Visit some 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 firsthand what is involved
- Talk to your friends and family – they may have contacts who can help you
- Contact the nearest Tranzqual Regional Manager as they may be able to help. Call free 0800 4QUALS (478257)
- You could try websites such as www.busjobs.co.nz or 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.
Are there apprenticeships in the road transport and logistics industries and if so how do I become one?
Yes there are apprenticeships in these industries.
The way to become an 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.
What is a Modern Apprentice?
A Modern Apprentice is someone who is engaged in an apprenticeship working towards a national qualification.
The programme is open to young people aged 16 - 21, although some older individuals are considered.
Modern Apprenticeships usually take two or three years to complete and are undertaken on the job. The employer supports the apprentice over the duration of the programme.
The programme requires the apprentice to sit regular assessments and complete training outside of the workplace when required. The apprentice also has the full support and guidance of Tranzqual.
In the road transport and logistics industries young people can currently work towards four Modern Apprenticeships:
- Commercial Road Transport Driver - truck driver (two years)
- Warehouse and Distribution (three years)
- Business Administration (two years)
- Freight Forwarding (coming soon)
What level of education do I need to start my apprenticeship?
There are no specific educational requirements for apprenticeships in these industries; however, basic 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 helps.
How much will I get paid?
Pay always depends on work experience and knowledge.
Truck drivers can earn between $13 and $25 an hour and this varies depending on time in the job and experience. Owner operators can make between $50,000 and $80,000 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 $60,000 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 workers or casual workers. This salary can increase to between $65,000 and $90,000 a year for those in positions of responsibility.
Harbour pilots earn between $90,000 and $120,000 per year. Tug masters usually earn between $60,000 and $90,000 per year.
An apprentice must negotiate his or her salary with their employer. There is a minimum wage an apprentice is entitled to - the information can be found here: www.ers.dol.govt.nz/pay.
(These pay examples have been sourced from industry during May 2008, they are indicative and subject to change)
I'd like to drive trucks but maybe not forever. Where will a truck driving career take me?
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 in to the freight forwarding or logistics sector.
What is a stevedore?
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.
What is logistics?
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.
What's a 'clean driver licence' and why is it important?
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 worktime 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.
Visit www.landtransport.govt.nz/rules/work-time-and-logbooks-2007.html for information on worktime and log book regulations.
What about job security?
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 too because more and more commuters are taking the bus to work and as New Zealand's tourist industry grows. And because New Zealand imports and exports so many goods, there'll always be roles at ports. 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.