Australia’s freight task is projected to grow by more than 35% between 2020 and 2040, according to the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy published by the Department of Infrastructure — yet thousands of heavy vehicle driver positions remain unfilled across the country. Two of the most recognisable employers in this space, Lindsay Transport and Followmont Transport, regularly recruit HC and MC licence holders for both regional and metro work. Understanding the difference between licence classes, realistic pay rates, and what each run type actually involves could determine whether you land the right role or accept the wrong one.
The Australian trucking industry employs roughly 200,000 heavy vehicle drivers nationally, making it one of the largest blue-collar workforces in the country. Furthermore, demand is particularly strong in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria — the primary operating corridors for both Lindsay Transport and Followmont. However, not every driver understands the practical and legal distinctions between an HC and MC licence, nor how those distinctions directly affect the pay rates and run types available to them. Consequently, many applicants undersell themselves or apply for positions they are not yet qualified to hold.
Both Lindsay Transport and Followmont Transport are well-established freight carriers with strong reputations for safety compliance under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). Therefore, candidates who understand HVNL obligations, fatigue management categories, and chain of responsibility duties will immediately stand out during the hiring process. In addition, each company has its own internal culture, equipment standards, and run structures that affect day-to-day working life significantly.
This article draws on publicly available wage data from the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020, employer job listings, and industry benchmarks to give you a grounded, accurate picture of what driving for these two carriers actually looks like in 2026. Whether you hold an HC licence and are considering upgrading, or you already carry an MC and want to compare employers, the information below will help you make a more informed decision.
In this article:
HC vs MC Licence: What the Difference Really Means
The Heavy Combination (HC) licence and the Multi-Combination (MC) licence are the two highest tiers of the Australian heavy vehicle licensing system. Both sit above the HR (Heavy Rigid) class and unlock access to the most lucrative driving positions in the freight industry. However, they cover distinctly different vehicle configurations, and employers treat them accordingly.
What an HC Licence Covers
An HC licence authorises the holder to operate a prime mover towing a single semi-trailer, or a rigid truck towing a dog trailer. In practical terms, this means B-doubles are not permitted under an HC alone. Most HC-licensed drivers at Lindsay Transport and Followmont operate standard semi-trailers on linehaul or pick-and-deliver runs. Furthermore, HC remains one of the most commonly held licences among experienced drivers entering the industry from rigid truck roles.
What an MC Licence Covers
An MC licence is the highest commercial vehicle licence class in Australia. It authorises the driver to operate road trains, B-doubles, and other multi-combination vehicles. Consequently, MC holders attract higher base rates of pay and access to a wider range of linehaul positions. At both Lindsay Transport and Followmont, MC-licensed drivers are preferred for interstate overnight runs and road train operations in outback Queensland and New South Wales corridors.
Upgrading from HC to MC
Upgrading from HC to MC typically requires a minimum of 12 months’ HC driving experience, a competency assessment with a registered training organisation (RTO), and a practical driving test in the combination vehicle class you intend to operate. Costs range from approximately $1,200 to $2,500 depending on the RTO and state. However, some larger carriers, including major freight employers, offer licence upgrade assistance programmes as part of their workforce development strategy. Therefore, it is worth asking directly during the interview process whether such support is available.
“The MC licence is not just a piece of paper — it represents a significant investment in professional capability. Employers in the long-haul freight sector consistently reward that investment with better conditions and higher hourly rates.” — Tony McMullan, CEO, Truck Industry Council (TIC), 2025 Industry Workforce Report
Pay Per Hour: What Lindsay Transport and Followmont Actually Offer
Pay rates for heavy vehicle drivers in Australia are governed primarily by the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000038), managed through the Fair Work Commission. However, both Lindsay Transport and Followmont are known to operate under enterprise agreements that often exceed award minimums, particularly for experienced linehaul drivers. Understanding base rates is therefore an important starting point.
Award Minimum Pay Rates in 2026
Under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020, pay classifications are structured around vehicle class and gross vehicle mass (GVM). In 2026, the relevant benchmark rates are as follows:
| Driver Classification | Licence Class | Approx. Base Rate (per hour) | Casual Loading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 4 — Semi-Trailer | HC | $28.50 – $31.00 | +25% |
| Grade 5 — B-Double | MC | $31.50 – $34.50 | +25% |
| Grade 6 — Road Train | MC | $34.00 – $38.00 | +25% |
These figures represent base hourly rates for permanent full-time employees. In addition, overtime penalties, weekend loadings, and night shift allowances under the Award can significantly increase the effective hourly rate. Drivers working linehaul overnight shifts regularly earn between $42 and $55 per effective hour once all allowances are applied, according to industry wage benchmarking by the Transport Workers’ Union of Australia (TWU).
Lindsay Transport Pay Structure
Lindsay Transport, headquartered in Lara, Victoria, operates a large fleet across eastern Australia. The company is known for competitive enterprise agreement conditions and a strong internal culture built around driver welfare and equipment quality. Based on publicly listed position descriptions and TWU benchmarking data, Lindsay Transport’s HC drivers typically earn between $30 and $33 per hour base, while MC-licensed linehaul drivers on interstate runs often access rates of $34 to $40 per hour before allowances. Furthermore, the company provides superannuation at the statutory rate plus additional income protection for long-haul drivers.
Followmont Transport Pay Structure
Followmont Transport, based in Queensland and operating heavily across the Brisbane to Sydney and Brisbane to Melbourne corridors, similarly offers competitive enterprise agreement rates. HC drivers working metro pick-up and delivery roles typically earn in the range of $29 to $32 per hour. However, MC linehaul drivers on overnight interstate runs access significantly higher effective rates due to night shift allowances, with total package values regularly reaching $90,000 to $110,000 annually for experienced drivers. Followmont is also recognised for its relatively modern fleet, which reduces fatigue-related wear and is a meaningful non-monetary benefit.
Regional vs Metro Runs: Working Conditions Compared
The distinction between regional and metro runs is arguably more important to daily quality of life than the licence class itself. Both Lindsay Transport and Followmont operate across both environments, and each presents fundamentally different challenges, schedules, and lifestyle implications for the driver.
Metro Runs: What to Expect
Metro runs — typically involving urban pick-up and delivery (PUD) or dock-to-dock freight within capital city boundaries — are characterised by frequent stops, higher traffic density, and earlier start times. Most metro HC roles at both carriers involve starting between 4:00am and 6:00am, completing between 15 and 30 deliveries per shift, and returning to depot by early afternoon. Consequently, metro drivers generally maintain more consistent home routines and spend less time away from family.
Consistent daily schedules with predictable finish times
Higher frequency of vehicle manoeuvring in tight urban environments
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- Greater physical involvement — tailgate operations, pallet jacks, dock work
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- Lower per-kilometre rates but more consistent weekly hours
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- Predominantly HC licence positions, though some B-double metro roles exist
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- Strong preference for drivers with knowledge of local industrial precincts
Regional and Linehaul Runs: What to Expect
Regional and interstate linehaul runs are fundamentally different in character. Drivers operating between Brisbane and Melbourne, or on the inland Queensland road train corridors, spend multiple nights away from home each week. Therefore, the lifestyle suits drivers who prefer open-road driving over urban navigation. Both Lindsay Transport and Followmont operate significant linehaul divisions across the eastern seaboard, and these roles predominantly require MC licences for B-double and road train configurations.
Fatigue management is a central compliance issue on linehaul runs. Under the HVNL, drivers operating under standard hours must not exceed 12 hours work time in a 24-hour period, while those on Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) accreditation may work extended hours within a structured fatigue management plan. Both Lindsay Transport and Followmont operate BFM-accredited fleets, which means experienced MC drivers may access longer driving windows on approved corridors — a key operational factor that affects both productivity and total weekly pay.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Metro Runs | Regional/Linehaul Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Licence Required | HC (typically) | MC (B-double / road train) |
| Nights Away | None | 2–5 nights per week |
| Physical Demand | Higher (manual handling) | Lower (dock-to-dock) |
| Effective Pay Rate | Moderate | Higher (allowances) |
| Schedule Consistency | High | Variable |
How to Apply and What Employers Look For
Both Lindsay Transport and Followmont recruit through their own company websites, SEEK, and occasionally through labour hire agencies for casual and short-term roles. However, direct applications through the carrier’s own portal are generally preferred and tend to receive faster responses. Furthermore, having a well-prepared application that addresses the specific requirements of the licence class and run type will significantly improve your chances of progressing through the screening process.
Documents and Certifications Required
Before applying, candidates should ensure the following documentation is current and readily available:
Current HC or MC driver’s licence with no demerit point issues
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- NHVR-compliant work diary or electronic work diary (EWD) familiarity
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- Certificate of completion for a fatigue management awareness course (BFM preferred for linehaul)
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- Valid medical certificate issued under the Austroads commercial vehicle medical standards
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- Evidence of pre-employment drug and alcohol screening compliance (most carriers test on engagement)
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- Two professional referees from within the transport or logistics industry
In addition to these fundamentals, familiarity with telematics systems and digital platforms is increasingly valued. Both Lindsay Transport and Followmont utilise GPS-based fleet management and driver monitoring technology. Therefore, comfort with in-cab technology is a genuine differentiator in the current hiring environment.
Comparing Transport Sector Opportunities More Broadly
If you are exploring the broader transport and logistics employment landscape alongside heavy vehicle driving, it is worth reviewing how courier and last-mile delivery employers compare. For instance, you can explore https://au.fredapps.com/best-companies-to-work-for/doordash-jobs-requirements-and-how-to-apply/ to understand how gig-economy delivery platforms structure their hiring and requirements, which is a useful contrast to the permanent employment model offered by major freight carriers. Similarly, https://au.fredapps.com/best-companies-to-work-for/jobs-at-dhl-types-of-positions-and-hiring-process/ provides a detailed overview of opportunities at DHL, one of Australia’s largest global freight operators, which often recruits HC and MC-licensed drivers for express freight roles.
Standing Out in the Interview Process
Both carriers conduct structured interviews that assess not just driving competency but also safety attitude, self-management capability, and cultural alignment. Consequently, candidates who can speak fluently about fatigue management obligations, chain of responsibility requirements, and their own approach to pre-trip vehicle inspection consistently perform better in the hiring process. In addition, demonstrating knowledge of the specific corridors or freight types the employer handles — for example, Followmont’s focus on Queensland to New South Wales general freight — signals genuine interest and preparation.
Finally, salary negotiation is entirely appropriate in this sector, particularly for MC-licensed drivers with five or more years of verifiable linehaul experience. Both Lindsay Transport and Followmont have demonstrated willingness to negotiate enterprise agreement top-ups for highly experienced candidates, particularly where driver shortages are acute on key interstate corridors. Therefore, entering the conversation with a clear understanding of your market value — grounded in Award rates, allowances, and current industry benchmarks — positions you as a professional candidate rather than a passive applicant.
