Key Takeaways
- Australia’s truck market remains strong with stabilizing conditions and improving supply in 2025.
- Truck categories vary by weight, road access class, and chassis design, each serving different industries.
- Rigid trucks dominate the national fleet due to versatility and fewer regulatory requirements.
- Choosing new vs. used or buying vs. hiring depends on budget, usage frequency, and operational priorities.
- Using a centralized machinery marketplace helps compare options and find suppliers more efficiently.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but had they had trucks, it would have taken them far less time. Designed to carry freight, transport specialised payloads, and serve other utilitarian purposes, these imposing vehicles are the driving force of almost every industry.
Should You Consider Buying a Truck Right Now?
There’s an active and growing market for these highway giants in Australia, fueled by demands in commerce, construction, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, waste management, and other industries. The national fleet is considerable, consistent with Australia’s economy and geographic needs for trucking and road transport.
Although this sector has been impacted by the economic slowdown in 2025, sales are projected to reach around 45.000 units, which would be the third-best annual sales result on record. As the market is starting to show signs of stabilisation, availability and supply are improving, and access to trucks is opening up.
If you need to buy trucks for your business, it’s a potentially good time to do so, depending on your specific needs and industry. The economic softening may translate to more competitive pricing and better negotiation opportunities, but cautious buyers should consider economic trends and potential demand for freight services.
That said, here’s a brief overview of what’s available on the market, how these machines can help your business, and what to consider before making a final decision.
Understanding Weight Categories
These vehicles are generally categorised into two broad groups based on their gross mass.
- Light Under 4.5 Tonnes – designed for the transport of passengers and light goods, these typically require a standard car license to operate.
- Heavy Over 4.5 Tonnes – used for standard freight and heavy haulage, these workhorses require a specific license and compliance with other regulations as outlined in the HVNL.
Classes 1, 2, and 3 Explained
To manage access to the road network, these vehicles are classified into General Access and Restricted Access. The latter includes Classes 1, 2, and 3.
- Class 1 – do not comply with a prescribed mass or dimension requirement, and usually require special permits or notices for access. Examples include mobile cranes, concrete pumps, fire engines, harvesters, tactors, and other special-purpose vehicles.
- Class 2 – large freight-carrying vehicles or multi-unit combinations that comply with mass and dimension requirements under the law, such as B-doubles, road trains, livestock carriers, PBS, etc.
- Class 3 – vehicles that exceed the mass and dimension limits of Class 2 and operate under permits with restricted road access, such as oversize road trains and heavy haulage combinations.
Chassis Design Classification
We can also differentiate between rigid and articulated types, depending on the chassis and design structure. The rigid design features a single, solid frame to which both the cab and the cargo area are permanently attached and move as one unit. Their articulated counterparts consist of two separate sections connected by a pivot joint.
According to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) Statistical Report from January 2025, there were approximately 667.100 registered rigid vehicles as of 31 January 2025, which is around five times the number of articulated units.
Their suitability for Australia’s infrastructure and urban and regional freight needs, together with the fewer regulatory requirements, are the reasons why fixed chassis vehicles represent such a large share of the national fleet. You can see these work rigs carrying perishable goods, transporting building materials, collecting waste, and performing countless other tasks across the country.
The articulated heavy lifters can carry significantly more over long distances, often using less fuel per tonne of cargo. Examples of these include B-doubles, prime movers with semi-trailers, road trains, and more.
Exploring Functions Based on Configurations
In addition to these classifications, the market offers a wide range of configurations to suit specialised commercial and industrial demands. These include, but aren’t limited to:
Tippers
These are equipped with a hydraulic system that allows their cargo box to be lifted and tipped, hence the name. They vary in size and capacity, and can carry anywhere from 6 to over 40 tonnes. Tippers are widely used in construction, mining, and agriculture to transport and unload bulk materials like gravel, sand, and soil.
Tankers
Tankers are designed for transporting fuel, water, and chemicals. They ensure liquids and gases are safely contained from loading to delivery, reducing the risk of contamination and loss during transport.
Prime Movers
Designed to tow semi-trailers, these heavy-duty tractor units can haul various types of freight over long distances.
Waste Collectors
These purpose-built compactors or loaders are designed for safe and compliant management of various waste streams, including MGBs, loose rubbish, food, recyclables, and more.
Livestock Carriers
Livestock carriers are designed to securely contain animals during transport while prioritising their safety and welfare. They’re equipped with sturdy side walls with ventilation gaps to ensure airflow and typically feature partitions to separate animals and reduce stress.
Should You Choose New or Used?
Choosing between new and used ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and priorities. Purchasing new provides advantages such as full manufacturer’s warranty, current-generation performance and safety, clean service history, and maintenance control. This, however, comes with higher upfront costs and faster depreciation.
When buying used, you benefit from a lower upfront cost and slower depreciation, but depending on the condition, ongoing maintenance, warranty coverage, and operational reliability may need closer consideration.
Is It Better to Buy or Hire?
In Australia, both options are popular, serving different business requirements. There’s a variety of available trucks for sale and hire to meet the needs of various industries such as mining, construction, and logistics. When you buy, you enjoy long-term asset control, which is beneficial if you plan consistent usage. Hiring, on the other hand, offers greater flexibility with lower upfront costs.
How to Find the Best Supplier for Your Business?
If you’re building or expanding your fleet or searching for a specialised truck for a particular type of work, look for a dedicated sourcing platform to simplify the process. A centralised online marketplace for buying, selling, and hiring machinery and equipment can help streamline operations and decision-making by allowing you to compare prices, access detailed information, and connect directly with sellers and hire companies.
FAQs
What industries rely most on trucks in Australia?
Key sectors include construction, mining, agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, and waste management.
What’s the main difference between light and heavy trucks?
Light trucks fall under 4.5 tonnes and often require only a car license, while heavy trucks exceed 4.5 tonnes and require special licensing.
Are rigid or articulated trucks better for long-distance hauling?
Articulated trucks – such as prime movers and B-doubles – are better for long distances due to higher capacity and fuel efficiency per tonne.
Is it smarter to buy a truck or hire one?
Buying is ideal for consistent, long-term use, while hiring offers flexibility and lower upfront costs for shorter-term needs.
How can I find a reliable truck supplier?
A centralized online marketplace allows you to compare prices, review specifications, and contact sellers or hire companies directly.
Closing Thoughts
Now that you have a rough idea of what’s available and what’s worth considering before making a decision, you can take the next step toward expanding or upgrading your transport assets.