Issue 110 | 7 April 2021

While much of the country wound down over Easter, Australia’s heavy vehicle industry was faced with new challenges. Following on from flooding across NSW and Queensland, transport on the east coast was impacted by a COVID-19 outbreak in Greater Brisbane. Other states designated South East Queensland a hotspot and imposed numerous conditions on trucks leaving the region – but freight kept moving thanks to our dedicated drivers and logistics workers. The hotspot declaration showed that the COVID-19 pandemic is still far from over, but also that our industry can quickly adapt to the challenges it poses. I thank everyone in the industry and across all levels of government for their fast work and great patience in dealing with the pandemic. Co-operation has been key to getting through this difficult year and it’s vital for Australia’s economy and communities that we keep working together. Sal, CEO

Report proves good maintenance improves road safety

A new report from Australia’s largest trucking insurer NTI and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has confirmed operators who effectively maintain their vehicles are less likely to be involved in an incident. Data from NTI’s NTARC Major Accident Investigation Report and the NHVR’s National Roadworthiness Baseline Survey was examined to create the report, which looks at the relationship between vehicle standards and safety performance. The report found that there was a significant increase in the frequency and cost of insurance claims lodged by companies which operated vehicles with poorly maintained couplings and an above-average number of wheel and tyre defects. > Read the full story here

Transport boss convicted of speed limiter tampering

The owner of a South Australian transport company has been prosecuted by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) for possessing speed limiter tampering equipment. South Australia Police (SAPOL) Heavy Vehicle Investigation Section conducted an investigation at the company’s Mid-North premises in August 2020 and located a laptop installed with tampering software, as well as connecting plugs. The company owner initially declined to answer questions about the device, but pleaded guilty to possessing a speed limiter tampering device when he appeared at Adelaide Magistrates Court earlier this month. > Read the full story

Deadline for Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy consultation

Industry stakeholders are being urged to have their say on the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy 2021-2025 by Friday 30 April 2021. The Safety Strategy sets out the NHVR’s strategic ambitions to improve heavy vehicle safety outcomes and contribute to a reduction in the number of crashes, fatalities and serious injuries involving heavy vehicles. To view the strategy and make a submission go to www.nhvr.gov.au/hvss

Upcoming Truck Driver Info Days

Come and chat to the NHVR at our next roadside information days. Whether you have a question about access, Chain of Responsibility or any other heavy vehicle queries, come and join us. Upcoming dates: Tue 13 April: Epping Forest, Tasmania, 9am-3pm AEDT Wed 14 April: Rocky Cape, Tasmania, 9am-3pm Thu 15 April: Lytton, Queensland, 5am - 1pm Wed 21 April: Yamba, South Australia, 8am-1pm ACST Wed 21 April: Buronga, New South Wales, 12pm - 6pm Thu 29 April: Ballina, New South Wales, 9am - 5pm For more details, and to keep up with the latest events at NHVR, visit the events page.

Send us your #TruckShots

The photo above was sent to us from Aus Hay in Euston in New South Wales. This road train is hauling Pino Gris grapes ready to be crushed and made into wine.  Want to see your truck featured on the NHVR social pages? Send us a message on Facebook with your best shots!

Have you got another question about coronavirus changes?

A lot may have changed across the heavy vehicle industry over the past months, but safety still comes first. Check out the latest advice for heavy vehicle operators at www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus

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