The road freight industry is warning the poor state of New Zealand’s roads are having a serious impact on the safety of road users. 

And there are major concerns the delays over replacements for the Interislander Cook Strait ferries could have a big negative flow-on effect for the economy. 

The vast majority (93 per cent) of respondents in the 2025 National Road Freight Industry Survey agreed that poor road maintenance is putting truck drivers and other road users at risk. 

As well, a significant number (84 per cent), believed that regional roads and bridges are neglected, and that delays in replacing the Cook Strait ferries pose a major risk (79 per cent). (The survey was done before the announcement that the Aratere is to be retired in August.)

The 2025 National Road Freight Industry Survey of nearly 200 road freight businesses was conducted in March this year by Research NZ on behalf of advocacy group Transporting New Zealand. The survey was also supported by the New Zealand Heavy Haulage Association and Groundspread NZ. It represents the most extensive industry snapshot in over a decade.

The survey painted a gloomy financial picture for business – only 34 per cent of those surveyed expected their financial situation to improve over the next 12 months, and only one in four respondents reported having sustainable operating margins.

Health, safety and wellbeing are big concerns for the industry, with 78 per cent of respondents calling for more purpose-designed rest stops for drivers, and 72 per cent saying it was important for drivers to have a good work-life balance.

A full copy of the 2025 Road Freight Survey is available on request.