Are you an experienced Heavy Combination (HC) truck driver looking for high-paying opportunities in Australia? The demand for qualified HC drivers continues to surge in 2025, with competitive salaries exceeding AU$100,000 annually for the right candidates. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about securing premium HC truck driving positions, including a featured opportunity with Peter Stoitse Transport in Melbourne.
Current HC Truck Driver Salary in Australia 2025
The Australian trucking industry is experiencing a driver shortage, pushing salaries to record highs. Here's what HC drivers can expect to earn:
Hourly Rates:
- Entry-level HC drivers: AU$30-35 per hour
- Experienced HC drivers: AU$38-45 per hour
- Specialized HC roles (dangerous goods, B-double endorsed): AU$45-55 per hour
Annual Salary Potential:
- Standard full-time positions: AU$75,000-90,000
- High-mileage interstate roles: AU$90,000-110,000
- Owner-operator HC drivers: AU$120,000-150,000+
The featured position with Peter Stoitse Transport offers AU$42-43 per hour, which translates to approximately AU$87,000-89,000 annually for full-time work, with potential to exceed AU$100,000 with overtime and weekend shifts.
Featured Job: HC Truck Driver at Peter Stoitse Transport
Company Overview: Peter Stoitse Transport Pty Ltd (PST) is a well-established Victorian family-owned transport company with over 50 years of operational excellence. With depots strategically located in Hallam and Welshpool, Victoria, PST has built a reputation for quality service delivery and driver satisfaction.
Position Details:
- Location: Hallam, Victoria 3803, Australia
- Pay Rate: AU$42-43 per hour
- Schedule: Monday to Friday with weekend opportunities
- Route Coverage: Melbourne metropolitan, regional Victoria, and interstate work
- Employment Type: Casual/Temporary with full-time conversion potential
Key Responsibilities
As an HC driver with PST, your role includes:
- Pickups and deliveries across Melbourne and regional Victoria
- Interstate transportation assignments
- Load restraining and securing according to safety standards
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance reporting
- Customer service and professional representation
- Adherence to safety protocols and traffic regulations
- Daily route variations requiring adaptability
Essential Requirements for HC Truck Driver Jobs
Licensing and Certifications
Mandatory Requirements:
- HC Licence (Heavy Combination): Current and valid HC truck licence
- Manual Transmission Experience: Ability to operate non-synchro manual trucks
- HRW Licence: Current forklift certification for loading/unloading operations
- Clean Driving Record: Excellent VicRoads five-year driver history report
Preferred Qualifications:
- MSIC card (Maritime Security Identification Card) for port access
- DG licence (Dangerous Goods) for hazardous material transport
- First Aid certification
- Fatigue management training
Professional Skills Required
Successful HC drivers demonstrate:
- Strong customer service orientation
- Excellent punctuality and time management
- Load restraining expertise
- Professional communication abilities
- Safety-first mindset
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
How to Get Your HC Licence in Australia
If you're looking to upgrade from an HR licence or start your truck driving career, here's the pathway to obtaining your HC licence:
Step-by-Step HC Licence Process
1. Meet Prerequisites:
- Hold a current car (C class) licence for at least 24 months
- Be at least 18 years old
- Pass medical assessment
2. Complete HC Training:
- Enroll in accredited HC truck driver training (costs range AU$2,500-4,500)
- Complete minimum 24 hours of professional instruction
- Learn load restraint, bridge formulas, and heavy vehicle regulations
3. Pass Assessments:
- Knowledge test covering heavy vehicle road rules
- Practical driving test demonstrating vehicle control
- Load restraint competency assessment
4. Upgrade Licence:
- Submit application to relevant state authority
- Pay licence upgrade fee (approximately AU$150-200)
- Receive HC endorsement on driver licence
Best HC Truck Driver Training Programs in Victoria
When selecting a training provider, consider:
- Accreditation status: Ensure RTO (Registered Training Organization) certification
- Pass rates: Look for schools with 85%+ first-time pass rates
- Equipment quality: Modern trucks matching industry standards
- Job placement assistance: Programs offering employment connections
- Training cost: Compare pricing (typically AU$2,500-4,500)
Top Paying HC Truck Driver Jobs by Specialization
Interstate HC Driving
Long-haul interstate routes offer premium pay:
- Salary Range: AU$90,000-115,000 annually
- Benefits: Per diem allowances, overnight accommodation
- Requirements: Extensive experience, fatigue management certification
Dangerous Goods (DG) HC Transport
Specialized DG transport commands higher rates:
- Salary Premium: Additional AU$5-10 per hour
- Annual Potential: AU$95,000-120,000
- Certification Required: Dangerous Goods licence, specialized training
Owner-Operator HC Drivers
Maximum earning potential through self-employment:
- Income Potential: AU$120,000-180,000+ annually
- Investment Required: Truck purchase or lease (AU$80,000-250,000)
- Considerations: Insurance, maintenance, fuel costs, contract negotiation
Container Transport (MSIC Required)
Port and container work with MSIC card:
- Hourly Rate: AU$40-50 per hour
- Annual Salary: AU$85,000-105,000
- Advantage: Consistent work volume, premium rates
How to Apply for the Peter Stoitse Transport Position
Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
- Updated resume highlighting HC driving experience
- VicRoads five-year driver history report
- Copies of current licences (HC, HRW)
- Professional references from previous employers
- MSIC and DG certifications (if applicable)
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Email Application:
- Send to: HR@stoitse.com.au
- Subject line: "HC Truck Driver Application - [Your Name]"
- Include location and availability
- Attach all required documents
Phone Inquiry:
- Company direct: (03) 5688 1367
- Agency contact: (03) 9702 3990
- Prepare questions about role specifics
Step 3: Prepare for Interview Research PST's commitment to:
- Safety protocols and procedures
- Customer service excellence
- Team communication and collaboration
- Efficient service delivery
Interview Tips for HC Truck Driver Positions
Common Interview Questions:
- Describe your experience with load restraining and securing
- How do you handle tight delivery deadlines?
- Explain your approach to vehicle inspection and maintenance
- Discuss a challenging driving situation and how you resolved it
- Why are you interested in working for our company?
What to Emphasize:
- Safety record and incident-free driving history
- Punctuality and reliability examples
- Customer service success stories
- Manual transmission proficiency
- Adaptability to varied daily requirements
Benefits of Working as an HC Truck Driver in Australia
Financial Advantages
- Competitive hourly rates with overtime potential
- Weekend and public holiday premium rates
- Annual salary growth opportunities
- Superannuation contributions (11% minimum)
- Potential for allowances (meals, accommodation)
Career Development
- Pathway to MC licence (Multi-Combination) for higher pay
- Specialization opportunities (refrigerated, livestock, heavy haulage)
- Management and supervisor advancement
- Owner-operator transition support
- Industry-recognized certifications
Work-Life Balance
- Regular Monday-Friday schedules available
- Predictable routes and home-time
- Flexible casual arrangements
- Full-time conversion opportunities
- Local and regional work options
HC Truck Driver Jobs: Melbourne vs Regional Victoria
Melbourne Metropolitan Advantages
- Higher volume of delivery work
- More job opportunities
- Better facilities and amenities
- Competitive hourly rates (AU$38-45)
- Home daily in most cases
Regional Victoria Benefits
- Less traffic congestion
- More straightforward routes
- Stronger community connections
- Similar or higher pay rates
- Lower cost of living
Interstate Work Considerations
- Significantly higher earnings (AU$50-60 per hour)
- Extended time away from home
- Travel allowances and accommodation
- More challenging fatigue management
- Greater variety in routes
Essential Safety Requirements for HC Drivers
Work Health and Safety Compliance
Daily Safety Checks:
- Pre-start vehicle inspection
- Brake system functionality
- Tire condition and pressure
- Lights and indicators
- Load security verification
Fatigue Management:
- Comply with work/rest hour limits
- Maintain accurate logbook records
- Use fatigue monitoring technology
- Recognize early warning signs
- Schedule adequate rest breaks
Load Restraint Standards:
- Understand load restraint guide requirements
- Apply appropriate restraint methods
- Calculate load distribution
- Inspect securing equipment
- Document load specifications
HC Truck Driver Insurance and Benefits Explained
Typical Employment Benefits
Casual/Temporary Positions:
- Hourly rate premium (typically 25% loading)
- Flexible scheduling options
- No guaranteed minimum hours
- Limited leave entitlements
- WorkCover insurance coverage
Full-Time Employment Advantages:
- Guaranteed weekly hours
- Annual leave accrual (4 weeks minimum)
- Sick leave provisions
- Long service leave eligibility
- Superannuation contributions
- Potential for company vehicle
Understanding Your Pay Structure
For the PST position at AU$42-43 per hour:
- Base weekly earnings: AU$1,680-1,720 (40 hours)
- Overtime rate: AU$63-64.50 per hour (1.5x)
- Weekend rate: AU$84-86 per hour (2x)
- Annual potential: AU$87,000-100,000+ with overtime
Other Career Opportunities in Transport Industry
While this guide focuses on HC truck driving, Peter Stoitse Transport and the broader industry offer additional career paths:
Related Transport Positions
- MC Drivers: Multi-combination licence holders earning AU$50-60+ per hour
- Heavy Rigid (HR) Drivers: Entry-level opportunities at AU$28-35 per hour
- Transport Planners: Route optimization and logistics coordination
- Warehouse Supervisors: Forklift and inventory management roles
Supporting Industry Roles
- Diesel Mechanics: Vehicle maintenance and repair specialists
- Transport Administration: Scheduling, compliance, and customer service
- Safety Officers: Workplace health and safety management
- Logistics Coordinators: Supply chain and freight management
Conclusion: Start Your High-Paying HC Driver Career Today
The Australian trucking industry offers exceptional opportunities for qualified HC truck drivers in 2025. With salaries exceeding AU$100,000 annually and strong demand across metropolitan and regional areas, now is the ideal time to advance your career.
The Peter Stoitse Transport position represents an excellent opportunity with a respected family-owned company offering competitive pay, varied work, and potential for full-time employment. Their 50-year track record and commitment to safety, customer service, and team values make them an employer of choice in the Victorian transport sector.
Take Action Now
Ready to apply?
- Update your resume with relevant HC driving experience
- Obtain your VicRoads driver history report
- Prepare your licence and certification copies
- Email your application to HR@stoitse.com.au or apply via official vacancy page here.
- Follow up with a phone call to (03) 5688 1367
Need to upgrade your licence? Research accredited HC training programs in your area and invest in your future earning potential. The AU$3,000-4,000 training investment typically pays for itself within the first two months of employment.
Don't miss this opportunity to join a growing industry with excellent pay, job security, and career advancement potential. Apply today and take the first step toward earning AU$100,000+ as a professional HC truck driver in Australia.
Disclaimer: Salary figures and employment conditions mentioned are based on industry averages and the specific job listing provided. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer policies. Always verify current requirements and benefits directly with prospective employers.
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