Issue 115 | 1 June 2021

This week, we’re thinking of everyone in Victoria as they grapple with another COVID-19 lockdown. One thing we’ve learned over the last 12+ months is this pandemic is unpredictable. I want to thank the many drivers, logistics workers and warehouse teams who continue to pivot and ensure supplies move freely throughout the country. As our industry tackles the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, we’ll continue to do everything we can as a regulator to ease pressure on the road networks and improve productivity while ensuring everyone’s safety. Today we announced the commencement of a new national Notice for Road Train Prime Movers, which will open up road access across the country, improve fatigue management for drivers, and increase the efficiency of the heavy vehicle fleet. We encourage you to provide feedback on the new online operator’s guide, designed to make the Notice simple and easy to use. And last week we released a joint report with CILTA and NTARC, which shows the huge safety and productivity outcomes we’re seeing from the 12,000 PBS-approved combinations operating on our roads. You can read more about the report in this edition of On the Road. I’m extremely proud to be part of such a resilient industry that continues to deliver in difficult times. I encourage you to take particular care of your health, safety and wellbeing this week, and check in with your industry colleagues no matter where you’re based. Sal, CEO

New Notice delivers smarter and safer road train transport

A new Notice for Road Train Prime Movers will ease pressure on the road network, improve fatigue management and increase the efficiency of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet. The National Road Train Prime Mover Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2021 will come into effect from 1 June 2021 and will apply to all states and territories participating in the Heavy Vehicle National Law, except Tasmania. > For further information and to review the Notice and new online operator’s guide, click here

Report reveals PBS vehicles involved in fewer major crashes

A joint report from the NHVR, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia (CILTA) and the National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has revealed Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles are involved in 60 per cent fewer major crashes than conventional vehicles. This is a significant improvement on the results in a 2018 report which found 46 per cent fewer major crashes compared to the conventional fleet. PBS vehicles are also forecast to save 143 lives over 20 years. > Read more about the PBS report here

Input sought into NHVR codes of practice program

The NHVR has released a discussion paper to seek public feedback on its codes of practice program and suggestions for improvements to its Guidelines for Preparing and Registering Industry Codes of Practice. Registered codes of practice can provide valuable guidance to people in the heavy vehicle industry to help them manage the safety of their transport activities. The consultation period starts today and closes on Friday 2 July 2021. > Click here for more about the codes of practice consultation

Free training program for new truck drivers

A free online training program is now available for new heavy vehicle drivers to help them better understand their obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. Developed by Shift Training, the 4 Points of Contact course will train and assess participants in fatigue management, vehicle inspection, load restraint and chain of responsibility. The course was funded by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), with support from the Federal Government. > Click here to learn more and register

New online safety hub launched

A new online safety hub has been unveiled by Australia’s leading transport and logistics specialist insurer, NTI, to support the growth and development of the industry. The Better Business Hub helps protect Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet, transport operators and drivers by providing interactive, downloadable, applicable tools and resources to support them in their day-to-day activities. > Read more and download the Better Business Hub resources here

Pilot and escort driver certification reminder

Have you checked if your pilot or escort vehicle driver certification is still valid? Pilots and escort drivers are required to maintain a valid license or certification, specified by your state or territory. If you are a pilot or escort driver working interstate, it’s also important you understand how your license or certification is mutually recognised. While the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) does not regulate pilot and escort certification, the NHVR can issue an infringement notice to the driver of an oversize vehicle for not complying with the conditions of the permit, such as a certified pilot or escort. The NHVR has released an updated information sheet, which gives you an overview of the current pilot and escort requirements for your jurisdiction. > Click here to download the information sheet

Have your say in new workplace psychological safety survey

Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (HHST) is asking all organisations in the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries to complete a short online Workplace Psychological Safety Index (WPSI) survey. Your participation in the survey will help inform how HHTS will support the psychological and physical health, wellbeing and safety of everyone in the heavy vehicle industry. > Click here to start the survey

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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