Early in 1984 the Bureau of Transport Economics carried out a survey of trucking operations, primarily to assist the National Road Freight Industry Inquiry in its data collection activity. This Paper describes the survey and sets out its major findings. Both road transport (for hire and reward) and ancillary operators were covered, with particular attention being given to the ownerdrivers. The main aim of the survey was to collect information on the structure of commercial truck activity in Australia including administrative, operational and equipment details. Certain limited road freight task related information and income data were also collected. In terms of business activity, the survey covered the 1982–83 financial year.