any advice for a kiwi wanting to drive trucks?

I'm not up to date on all the laws about green card holders and truck driving. I got my wife here from Russia about 6 years ago, but on a k2 visa.
Do you have a sponser yet?
I'm a recent truck school graduate and all instructors Ive talked to say in this economy its best to have all your endorsements and twic card, as you will be able to take any load. If you can meet the requirements of the TSA
it would be a good indicater of where you stand. Look up TSA, TWIC, DOT, patriot act and Department of homeland security if you haven't already.

 

You're going to need an H2B visa. You will need a sponsor. I believe that Interstate Distributors http://www.intd.com/out of Washington State still hires from down under. Now this news story from 2001 is an eye opener! I even worked for this BFI before they went under but this will open your eyes! http://www.landlinemag.com/Archives/2001/Nov2001/Features/kiwis.html
It will all come down to getting the H2B Visa and a company willing to take you on.

You have experience driving and the Aussie version of the CDL so transferring the license should not be to big of a problem. The biggest problem you will have is backing! Yep, remember one or the other of us is driving on the wrong side of the truck! I drove for a company back in the mid 90's that followed NRF and tried hiring a few Kiwis and I got to help train them and it was a hoot! That will be your hardest hurdle! We figured it out by actually standing in the center of the cab and looking out the window as if you were steering a larger boat and looking over the far rail. It made it easier and you can try that while you figure if you want to come up here and run around!

But give IDC a call or email and find out what you'll need to do or contact the State Department and ask them if they have any leads to trucking companies that will do the H2B visa.
Also go here to the aussie thread and ask around there maybe one of your drivers down there might be able to lead you to better information! http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/australian-truckers-forum/
Good luck!