Fuel prices remain high and it's putting pressure on the freight industry.
That's why the Allan Labor Government is backing a global agreement to transition to zero-emission freight vehicles.
This will help businesses save more money and become less reliant on fuel.
The signed global Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will focus on cutting freight fuel use and drive sustainability in the sector.
The MoU brings together 43 countries and more than 295 subnational governments, manufacturers, finance institutions, fleet owners and operators, and utility and infrastructure providers working to decarbonise the freight sector and reduce transport emissions.
Under the MoU, signatories are working towards 100 per cent zero-emission new truck and bus sales by 2040, with an interim target of 30 per cent of new sales being zero-emission by 2030.
This includes a national plan for high-capacity freight charging and supporting the Sydney to Melbourne "Hume Zero" corridor.
It will also target small and medium operators - while delivering new policies to strengthen market certainty.
Victoria now joins more than 40 countries working towards net zero by 2050.
Endorsing the MoU will allow Victoria to access an international network of jurisdictions and industry to work towards the Labor Government's goal of 50 per cent zero-emission on new light vehicle sales by 2030.
The MoU is a key step towards decarbonising the freight industry and shifting freight from road to rail.
Labor has recently introduced two new programs that will help freight operators invest in low and zero-emission vehicles, infrastructure and technology.
This includes the $8 million Victorian Freight Decarbonisation Co-Investment Program and the $1.5 million Victorian Electric Heavy Vehicle Trial.
Together, the programs will help drive down costs, improve operations and support a more sustainable and efficient freight industry.
As stated by Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
"Freight demand will more than double by 2050 - so we must act now by shifting to rail and backing cleaner transport."
"This endorsement links Victoria to a global push to cut emissions and halve them by 2030."
As stated by CALSTART CEO Michael Berube
"We warmly welcome the Victorian Government to the Global Memorandum of Understanding on Zero-Emission medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles, co-led by CALSTART's Drive to Zero program."
"Subnational governments like Victoria are critical in accelerating zero-emission trucks and buses."
"This endorsement connects Victoria to a global network and will help jointly reduce transport emissions, enhance fuel resilience, and support faster adoption of zero-emission vans, trucks and buses."
