Road Ninja, the innovative driver employment platform, marks a significant milestone as it expands into Australia
Taupō-based startup Road Ninja says that finding the right drivers at the right time has never been easier, and is expanding its innovative driver employment platform and app into Australia. It marks a significant milestone for the New Zealand-founded company, as it launches what it says is a cutting-edge service and technology system across the Tasman.
The business says it is reshaping the future of transport and logistics with its revolutionary employment platform and app by seamlessly connecting businesses with a network of pre-vetted, ready-to-work skilled drivers.
The platform has been designed to address critical labour shortages head-on and empower businesses with a flexible, scalable, and cost-efficient solution, ensuring they can meet demand without compromise.
Road Ninja’s Australian launch will focus on a key segment of Australia’s billion-dollar mining economy, which is known for offering abundant job opportunities and competitive wages.
“The expansion into Australia is a key part of Road Ninja’s strategic growth plan. Our initial focus will be on servicing the fly-in, fly-out driving jobs in the mining sector across Australia, leveraging our talented pool of skilled Kiwi drivers who bring extensive experience in the unique demands of this industry,” says Bodhi Vette, CEO and founder of Road Ninja.
In its first year in New Zealand, Bodhi says Road Ninja onboarded over 500 drivers and 100 companies, facilitating more than one million dollars in transactions. “The platform has quickly become New Zealand’s largest source for driver talent, offering businesses a one-stop shop to access skilled drivers on-demand while creating valuable job opportunities for those registered.”
“At the same time, we’re excited to create new opportunities for Australian drivers and businesses to join the platform, address the growing demand for skilled professional drivers, and deliver significant value to both the transport and wider mining sectors.” “Additionally, Road Ninja will help skilled drivers access work opportunities on both sides of the Tasman, fostering greater flexibility and collaboration between the two countries,” he says.
Drivers with relevant experience, or those willing to take on contracts requiring set periods away from home, will have the chance to work across numerous destinations throughout the country.
“Our expansion won’t be limited to one region,” says Bodhi. “We’re looking to build a truly nationwide driver network, connecting people with work opportunities from the east to the west coast of Australia.”
With Andrew Ritchie as a lead investor in Road Ninja, the inclusion of bus drivers will also be a key focus for the platform’s expansion. Andrew, who has significant transport interests in Australia and previously sold Ritchies Coachlines to the KKR Group in 2021, brings a wealth of industry expertise.
“Andrew’s backing brings invaluable industry knowledge and connections as we expand into Australia,” says Bodhi. “His experience strengthens Road Ninja’s ability to provide innovative solutions to businesses and drivers alike.”
Differing from traditional driver-hire and recruitment models, Road Ninja’s subscription-based approach could help transform the commercial driver marketplace.
“Our subscription model marks a groundbreaking moment for the transport industry,” says Bodhi. “We reimagined how companies could access driver resources by combining contract driver sourcing, job board advertising, and direct recruitment into one cost-effective, high-value platform. The result is a flexible solution that eliminates traditional recruiter fees and gives businesses complete control over their hiring needs.”
“With the success we’ve seen in New Zealand, we’re confident that Australia will be the next big chapter in Road Ninja’s journey. Our platform is purpose-built to solve the challenges facing the modern transport industry, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead for both drivers and businesses.”
For more information, visit roadninja.co.nz