Issue 80 | 25 March 2020 | Coronavirus Special Edition

Message from the CEO

Australia’s heavy vehicle freight and logistics supply chain is again demonstrating the vital role it plays no matter what the circumstance. In the past heavy vehicle drivers and operators have shown enormous resilience through bushfire, flood or cyclone but are now being tested like never before. This week we’ve worked closely with state governments, which are acting on advice from medical experts, to reduce cross-border travel to manage the spread of coronavirus. Governments have also responded quickly to remove curfews in many states to allow the delivery of goods into shopping centres and distribution centres. But more importantly reducing stress on drivers. Even in these early weeks of the coronavirus response, it is obvious that some parts of the heavy vehicle supply chain will be required to operate at capacity, while some sectors will be impacted by a reduction in other parts of the economy. The weeks and months ahead will present many challenges for all sectors and the broader Australian community. I’ve committed to ensuring that NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers and staff will endeavour to assist wherever possible to ensure the task is undertaken safely and vital and correct information is distributed as soon as we can. The NHVR is here to work with drivers and operators during these difficult times, I encourage you to contact us for assistance and we will try our best to help. Please take care and continue to excellent work you do safely. Sal

Cross border arrangements

Several state road managers have placed restrictions on cross-border movements this week as a control measure against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). All governments are committed to ensuring the freight continues, with individual states issuing the below definitions of who is exempt from restrictions at their border....  > Read more about cross border arrangements

Practice Personal Hygiene

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your colleagues and the public is to practice good hygiene, including: washing your hands regularly and using hand sanitiser keeping work areas, eating surfaces and benches clean covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing avoiding close contact with anyone who has flu-like symptoms Operators and drivers should carry additional hand sanitiser as it may not be otherwise available. If you become unwell or suspect you may have symptoms of coronavirus, please seek medical assistance regardless of whether you believe you may have come into contact with someone with the illness. You can find more information about coronavirus at: www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

Amenity restrictions lifted from essential freight permits

The NHVR has agreed to waive restrictions on all curfew permits, except those related to safety and access, to move general freight and grocery deliveries as part of the national response to coronavirus (COVID-19). NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the changes brought freight movements using permits into line with recent legislation introduced by state governments to reduce the impact of curfews or parking around distribution centres and local supermarkets. “B Doubles or PBS vehicles carrying general freight to distribution centres or retail outlets may have travel conditions listed in permits or notices based on safety, access or amenity concerns,” Mr Petroccitto said. “Officers have been advised that amenity-related restriction will not apply over the next three months, to support the movement of freight. > Read more about amenity restrictions