Truckers head to Canberra in reform push

Truck convoys are also expected at state parliaments in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

The push comes after more than 50 transport workers were killed at work in the last 11 months.

As pressures on supply chains and gig economy workers puts further strain on drivers, employees and employers say the industry urgently needs reform.

Last August a report tabled in the Senate included 10 recommendations to improve the trucking industry, however none have been implemented by the Commonwealth.

A key recommendation calls for an independent body with the power to set universal, binding standards for operators.

TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said it had never been harder for truck drivers to make a decent living, and conditions were continuing to deteriorate.

"With wealthy clients at the top of supply chains squeezing transport costs, and exploitative gig models infiltrating more of the transport industry, companies are under pressure to follow suit or risk being pushed out of the market," Mr Kaine said in a statement.

"That's a deadly recipe, and it's why some unexpected allies have come together to call for life-saving transport reform."

He said major operators including Uber will be represented at the convoy to call for industry reform.

The industry has united behind the recommended reforms and wants them implemented, National Road Freighters Association president Rod Hannifey said.

"Truck drivers and truck companies share the same concerns about the current crisis in transport," he said.

"The industry is at breaking point and everyone is feeling it. That's why we've come together for change."

The transport union said industries are also concerned about the "Amazon effect" on driver safety, as international companies attempt to pay workers per parcel delivered.

The union staged a similar protest earlier this month at Hobart's Parliament House over the government's inaction on Senate recommendations.