Australia’s heavy vehicle industry is being encouraged to have its say on the future of decarbonisation through the International Road Transport Union’s (IRU) Green Compact Survey.
The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) is calling on operators across the road freight industry to participate in the global survey, which provides critical insights into the opportunities and barriers facing transport businesses as they transition to lower-emission operations.
The survey is conducted by the IRU and compares Australia’s progress with other markets, including the European Union, helping to build a clearer picture of how operators are managing the transition to decarbonisation.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said the survey gives operators an important opportunity to ensure the realities facing Australian businesses are recognised in discussions around decarbonisation policy and investment.
“Decarbonisation remains one of the biggest challenges facing the heavy vehicle industry, but Australian operators need practical, achievable pathways that reflect commercial realities,” Mr Clark said.
“By participating in the IRU Green Compact Survey, operators can help ensure governments and industry leaders better understand the barriers businesses are facing, including cost pressures, infrastructure limitations and uncertainty around future technology.
“The more operators who contribute, the stronger the data will be in demonstrating what the industry needs to successfully reduce emissions while continuing to keep freight moving.”
The 2025 IRU Green Compact Survey Report found Australian operators are facing similar challenges to businesses globally when it comes to decarbonisation. Key barriers identified included customers’ unwillingness to absorb additional costs, limited infrastructure to support new technologies and uncertainty around the transition pathway.
The report also highlighted Australian operators are running older fleets on average compared with Europe, and many businesses remain concerned about the costs and practicalities associated with decarbonising operations. NatRoad continues to advocate for a realistic transition timeframe, achievable targets and government incentives that support investment in practical emissions-reduction technologies.
“Importantly, there is no one-size-fits-all solution,” Mr Clark said.
“The industry will need a range of tools and technologies to reduce emissions, including improvements that can be made today through better fuel management, maintenance practices and driver training. This is why NatRoad released the Get Fit Fleet initiative in 2024, which is designed to support operators reduce fuel costs through efficient fuel management practices, comply with new environmental standards and meet customer expectations.
“We encourage operators of all sizes to take part in the survey so Australia’s freight industry is strongly represented in this important global conversation.”
Operators can access the survey, Get Fleet Fit resources, and further information through NatRoad’s decarbonisation web page at natroad.com.au.
Or directly access the IRU Green Compact Survey here
ENDS
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