The trucking industry and government are joining forces to get an extra one thousand drivers on the road as the industry faces what they call a chronic staff shortage

The government and a number of trucking associations will work to streamline the licensing process, and get more young people into training.

"It's a great career," National Road Carriers chief executive David Aitken said. "There's opportunity there to see the country, get guaranteed income."

"Freight is an essential part of the economy."

"Truck drivers are professionals and they do need skills. You can't just have anybody behind the wheel of a half a million dollar rig plus the freight it's carrying."

Aitken said the industry has been understaffed for years, and the amount of freight being moved is set to increase significantly over the coming decades. Booms in construction, infrastructure, online shopping and exports are fuelling demand for more drivers.