ECONOMIC REWARD AND ON-ROAD PERFORMANCE OF LONG DISTANCE TRUCKING: AN ECONOMETRIC ASSESSMENT

Abstract

This paper reports the results of an econometric analysis of the influences on economic reward and on-road behaviour of long distance truck drivers in Australia. Drawing on a 1990 survey of a sample of 800 truck drivers selected from owner drivers and employee drivers, we identify the important role that rates of pay and the payment method have on the propensity to speed. The richness of the data enables us to evaluate the endogenous linkage between speeding, the taking of pills, and the self-imposition of schedules, as well as identify industry practices which have desirable and undesirable impacts on the performance of drivers. The empirical findings corroborate anecdotal evidence on the issues which need action in the interests of minimising the negative externalities of an essentially efficient and safe industry.