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How does your fleet compare when it comes to safety and compliance? New research from Microlise, based on a survey of 200 senior Australian transport and logistics professionals conducted by an independent research firm, benchmarks how the industry is really managing health, safety and compliance pressures in 2026, and where the biggest gaps between confidence and practice lie.
The findings show a sector under real strain. 44% of professionals are considering leaving the industry in the next five years, and over a third are still managing compliance manually despite widespread confidence in their processes.
The Australian Fleet Safety & Compliance Benchmark 2026 report is available to download now. It benchmarks how fleet operators are handling health, safety and compliance pressures in 2026, and what’s driving decisions around technology adoption.
What did we uncover?
44% of Australian transport and logistics professionals are considering leaving the industry in the next five years. 42% say their mental health has been impacted by working in the sector.
Long working hours are the single biggest reason professionals are considering leaving (29%), followed by difficulty keeping on top of compliance (25%).
That compliance pressure is compounding an already stretched workforce. Following recent amendments to Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and Chain of Responsibility (CoR) requirements, operators are under growing pressure to keep pace.
68% of respondents say their drivers feel undervalued by the public. This points to a disconnect between public perception and the essential role drivers play in keeping the country’s supply chains moving.
Why do Australian fleet operators feel more confident about compliance than they are?
88% of respondents say managing compliance is “fairly easy” or “very easy.” 68% say they no longer worry about compliance complexity because technology has removed the burden.
But over a third are still relying on manual processes for critical tasks like licence and qualification checks and vehicle maintenance records. 22% cite an overreliance on paperwork as a top reason they’re considering leaving the industry altogether.
The same pattern shows up in cyber security. 49% of respondents are worried about a cyberattack on their organisation. Only 41% feel fully prepared to face one. Confidence in day-to-day compliance doesn’t always extend to data security.
How is technology improving fleet safety in Australia?
81% of fleet operators say technology is essential to keeping drivers safe.
83% say advances in technology have made drivers feel safer on the road than they did five years ago.
Camera technology is leading the charge. 100% of respondents use cameras in some capacity, with an average of two to three per vehicle. 99% say in-cab cameras have improved driver performance.
85% say AI distraction cameras have prevented a serious accident, showing the return fleets are seeing on this investment.
Beyond cameras, operators point to ADAS and active vehicle systems (16%), multi-camera systems (16%), daily vehicle defect checks (15%) and telematics and driver behaviour monitoring (14%) as having the greatest impact on driver safety.
Technology isn’t only protecting drivers physically. Respondents identified “better technology to support the role” as the single biggest factor that could improve mental health outcomes across the sector.
Insight for the road ahead
Commenting on the report’s findings, Shaun Gray, Head of Operations – APAC at Microlise, said:
“The Australian logistics industry has reached a turning point. Professionals are questioning their future in the sector, faced with relentless pressure from skyrocketing costs, evolving compliance regulations and ongoing labour shortages.
“While businesses can’t take these pressures away, they can alleviate them with technology solutions that simplify decision-making and put valuable time back into the hands of fleet managers and drivers.
“The future of Australia’s logistics sector is clearly tech-driven, and for many businesses, this is a now-or-never moment. Adopting this technology early is crucial to attract and retain the best talent amidst worsening labour shortages. Businesses that invest in the right technology today will be better placed to succeed in the challenging logistics environment of tomorrow.”
The full report, Australian Fleet Safety & Compliance Benchmark 2026, is available to download now.