The Australian Bureau of Statistics has recognised the skills of Australia's truck drivers in its new classification of occupations.
The ABS released the new classification, known as OSCA, today.
The classification assigns occupations to five skill levels, ranging from skill level 1 (you need to have tertiary qualifications) to skill level 5 (you need to have finished school).
Truck driving was classed as skill level 4, equivalent to a Certificate II or III, or a year of experience.
The new classification adds a new occupation, articulated truck driver, which is classed as skill level 3: the same as a trade qualified electrician or plumber.
Tanker truck drivers are also recognised as skill level 3.
The decision follows extensive lobbying and submissions from the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and its members.
As recently as October, Jobs and Skills Australia reported that truck driving was one of the top five occupations in shortage.
But truck driving is not on the Australian Government's new core skilled occupation list for immigration, released separately this week.
ATA CEO Mathew Munro urged the Government to reconsider its decision to leave truck drivers off the list.
"Our industry has always maintained that articulated truck driving is a skilled trade. The ABS's decision has confirmed that view," Mr Munro said.
"In light of this decision, the Government must now go back and address this glaring omission on the core skilled occupation list.
"Australia's truck drivers deliver every item on the shelves of every supermarket, and we have a serious driver shortage right now. We simply cannot wait until the next scheduled revision of the list."
"Having said that, the ATA welcomes the inclusion of truck workshop staff like diesel mechanics and vehicle body builders in the list."
