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The Fair Work Ombudsman announced it has launched a prosecution against a transport company in Victoria's Goldfields region for allegedly underpaying a truck driver almost $50,000.

Facing court is Foure Mile Pty Ltd, which operates a freight transport company based at Newstead.

Also facing court is the company's manager, sole director and part-owner, Malcolm Garry Leech.

Mr Leech was allegedly involved in Foure Mile underpaying a truck driver a total of $48,381 between November, 2005 and August, 2010.

Most of the underpayment was allegedly the result of the employee being underpaid the cents-per-kilometre rate he was entitled to.

The employee, a 53-year-old Harcourt man, was allegedly paid 17 to 23 cents a km but should have received 28 to 33 cents a km.

Court documents also allege the man was underpaid wages, annual leave entitlements, public holiday pay and wages in lieu of notice.

Fair Work inspectors discovered the alleged underpayment when they investigated a complaint from the employee.

Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson said a decision to prosecute was made because of the significant amount involved and the employer's failure to rectify the matter.

Mr Leech was allegedly involved in Foure Mile committing several breaches of workplace laws. The maximum potential penalty per breach is $6600 for Mr Leech and $33,000 for the company.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking a Court Order for the company to rectify the alleged underpayment.

The case is listed for a directions hearing on May 29 in the Federal Magistrates Court in Melbourne.