The commencement today of disruption to road freight will cause economic harm to those who can least afford disruption to their cash flow, income and profitability, according to the Queensland Trucking Association.

As a result, QTA chief executive Peter Garske is calling for on all owner-drivers to return to work and to focus their attentions on negotiating with Government.

Mr Garske says his organisation has received a number of calls from small operators, including owner drivers, expressing concern at today's strike action led by the Australian Long Distance Owners and Drivers Association and the National Road Transport Forum.

"The irresponsible activity last week of circulating threatening messages throughout the industry, appear to have resulted in some smaller operators from staying off Queensland's roads today," Mr Garske said.

"Their absence should not be taken as support for either the actions or demands of these self appointed spokespersons of industry."

Owner-driver heavy vehicles make up less than one-third of heavy vehicles registered on a state or National level, according to the QTA.

The owner-driver fleet, as a component of the hire and reward freight transport industry reflect less than 15pc of income earned by the industry.

QTA Ltd says the Government has sought to educate what it calls "wildcat organisations" on facts relating to driving hours, fatigue management and the road user charge in response to their many demands.

"Notwithstanding the efforts of Government to educate these so-called industry leaders, their failure to respond and their continuing to disrupt traffic on our roads is to be condemned," Mr Garske said.

"Our industry requires community confidence in our ability to undertake our important contribution to the economy in a safe manner.

"Holding the Queensland public, their fellow operators and Government to ransom is extreme and irresponsible.

"Much more will be achieved by working with Government rather than working against Government."