Transport & Logistics · South Australia / Multi-State
Roads and Transport Labour Hire Rates 2026
$49.39 – $51.15/hr ex-GST
EIR's 2026 published charge rates for roads and transport labour hire. Covering transport worker roles including yard and site-based forklift operators under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020. Rates are all-inclusive: base pay, 12% superannuation, workers' compensation, payroll tax, casual loading, and EIR's agency margin. GST is not included.
Current Charge Rates
All rates ex-GST · Award: Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 · Effective July 2026
| Role / Classification | Standard | 1.5× OT | 2× OT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport Worker Level 1 | $49.39/hr | $56.44/hr | $74.08/hr |
| Transport Worker Level 3 (Forklift) | $51.15/hr | $58.46/hr | $76.72/hr |
All rates are all-inclusive: base Award or EBA pay, 12% superannuation (SG), ReturnToWorkSA workers' compensation premium, state payroll tax, 25% casual loading, public liability insurance, and EIR's agency margin. GST is not included and will be added to invoices.
What's included in the charge rate?
- ✓Award or EBA base wage (set by Fair Work Australia)
- ✓12% superannuation (Superannuation Guarantee)
- ✓ReturnToWorkSA workers' compensation insurance
- ✓South Australia payroll tax (4.95%)
- ✓25% casual loading
- ✓Public liability and professional indemnity insurance
- ✓EIR Labour Hire agency margin
You do not need to manage payroll, super, workers' comp claims, or employment obligations for labour hire workers. EIR is the employer of record — your obligation is to provide a safe workplace.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a transport worker cost through labour hire?
A Transport Worker Level 1 through EIR costs $49.39/hr ex-GST at standard time. A forklift-licenced Level 3 transport worker is $51.15/hr. Overtime rates at 1.5× are $56.44–$58.46/hr.
Does the transport award apply to warehouse forklift operators?
Warehouse-based forklift operators typically fall under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award, not the Road Transport Award. Transport Award rates apply to site-to-site transport and distribution roles. Speak to EIR about the correct Award classification for your specific role.
Other sector rate guides
- Construction NSW — $57 – $95/hr ex-GST
- Construction SA — $56.50 – $80.50/hr ex-GST
- EBA Adelaide — $83.70 – $95.13/hr ex-GST
- Food and Bev QLD — $48.60 – $57.35/hr ex-GST
- Food and Bev SA — $45.35 – $53.53/hr ex-GST
- Manufacturing QLD — $46.70 – $53.41/hr ex-GST
- Manufacturing SA — $47.32 – $54.12/hr ex-GST
- NSW Restoration — $52.50 – $54.20/hr ex-GST
- Restoration QLD — $50.51 – $54.70/hr ex-GST
- Restoration SA — $50.69 – $52.35/hr ex-GST
- SA Civil — $53.54 – $73.02/hr ex-GST
- Storage and Warehouse QLD — $47.81 – $54.27/hr ex-GST
- Storage and Warehouse SA — $50.81 – $52.73/hr ex-GST
See also: Full 2026 Labour Hire Rates Guide and Labour Hire Rates by State.
Need a site-specific quote?
These are published rack rates. Your actual rate may differ based on shift volume, site location, EBA coverage, and role mix. Call EIR for a tailored quote — usually confirmed within the hour.
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Rates effective July 2026. EIR reviews charge rates annually and following Fair Work Australia wage decisions. Last updated 27 July 2026. All rates exclude GST.