The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has lodged a detailed submission with the Fair Work Commission responding to the Transport Workers’ Union’s draft Contractual Chain Order (CCO).
While the ATA supports the introduction of a CCO covering maximum 30-day payment terms and mandatory annual rate reviews, it is urging targeted changes to ensure the framework works in real-world trucking operations.
The ATA said rising government charges, inflation, interest rates, driver shortages, extreme weather and the spread of sham contracting have pushed the sector into crisis.
It added that a record 8.5 per cent of operators filed for bankruptcy in 2025, while profit margins hovering around 2 per cent.
The ATA said it strongly supports a maximum 30-day payment standard to address cashflow problems caused by extended customer payment terms.
However, the ATA argue that a proposed seven-day invoicing requirement was impractical, particularly for small operators and owner-drivers.
Instead, the ATA proposes simpler, clearer rules that ensure payments are received within 30 days without creating loopholes or administrative burdens.
The ATA said fair payments and realistic rate reviews are essential to protect compliant operators and the long-term viability of Australia’s trucking industry.
In other news, Australian Truck Radio’s ‘Truckies Top 100’ celebrates the songs that keep the nation’s drivers company this Australia Day.
