Issue 76 | 4 February 2020

Message from the CEO - 2020 in clear sight

There has been interesting discussion recently around the impact that new technology is having on heavy vehicle safety and productivity. Whether you utilise fatigue detection, cleaner-energy vehicles or simply make use of the increasingly detailed data on offer across the industry, I believe improved technology is having an impact. I’m constantly amazed by the heavy vehicle industry’s ability to embrace new ideas and look for safer, more productive ways to undertake the freight task. Technology is largely driven by industry and manufacturers meeting operator needs. As a Regulator we’ll continue to encourage uptake and where possible provide incentives. In March the NHVR will be conducting a voluntary industry safety survey to provide a snapshot of what systems and procedures are being incorporated by heavy vehicle operators and the supply chain. Keep an eye out and I’d encourage you to be involved. Sal

Heavy vehicle industry reviews should align for better outcome

The NHVR is calling for two major reviews to be considered together, avoiding duplication and delivering better safety and productivity outcomes for the industry.  The call was made as part of the NHVR’s response to the Productivity Commission’s draft paper on National Transport Regulatory Reform. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto's response called for the Productivity Commission’s findings to be included as part of the ongoing National Transport Commission (NTC) Review into the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).  “I believe that it is essential that the NTC, which is overseeing the HVNL Review, provide sufficient time to fully consider the commission’s recommendations before progressing with any proposed legislative amendments,” Mr Petroccitto said. > Read full article

Join us in Dubbo to learn about flexible fatigue management

Would you like to learn more about the flexible fatigue management options currently available to you under the HVNL? Representatives from the NHVR’s Fatigue and Human Factors team will be in Dubbo to host an evening information session where operators can attend to hear about the options available and discuss the specific details of the fatigue flexibility they would like for their business and get direct input from the NHVR.  Details of the session are: Date: Saturday 15 February 2020 Time: 6.00-7.00pm Venue: Quality Inn Dubbo International, 165 Whylandra St, Dubbo The team will also be available after the information session (between 7.00 pm and 9.00pm) to provide one-on-one advice and guidance.  To arrange a 30 minute one-on-one session please contact fatiguemanagement@nhvr.gov.au

Bridge Strikes

Queensland Rail is asking transport businesses and truck drivers to complete a survey that will help them better understand the industry's knowledge of vehicle load height. The information from the surveys will help shape initiatives aimed at reducing the number of rail bridge collisions. The surveys are anonymous, take about 10 minutes to complete, and close at 5pm on Friday 14 February 2020. Respondents who leave their email address will go in a draw to win one of five $100 gift cards. If you are a transport business owner, you should complete the following survey bit.ly/3aXzwck If you are a driver, you should complete the following survey bit.ly/2GDAxIr

NHVR officers lending hand to fire-impacted communities

NHVR staff across Victoria and South Australia have been doing their part for the bushfire relief effort with officers assisting to get hay to isolated, bushfire-effected areas. Director Southern Region (Operations) Paul Simionato said that staff in Victoria and South Australia had stepped up to help out wherever they could. “The NHVR was approached by the Victoria Police to assist with road traffic management, escort activities and traffic control,” Mr Simionato said.  "The team was deployed to Bairnsdale, a community that has been significantly impacted by the fires, to support heavy vehicle movements in the area.   “In one of the biggest operations, NHVR staff and VicPol successfully escorted a 35 hay truck convoy from Bairnsdale to Gelantipy, over more than three hours.   > Read full article

Upcoming Truck Driver Info Days – first for 2020

A new year brings new opportunities to engage with the NHVR and one of the best ways to do this is through our regular Truck Driver Info Days.  Upcoming dates include:  NSW - Wednesday 5 February, BP Beresfield (near Newcastle), 2pm to late VIC - Wednesday 19 February, BP Rockbank (west of Melbourne), 10am to 6pm In 2019 the NHVR stakeholder team rolled out more than 30 information sessions in all participating states as part of its roadside information sessions or one of the many events the NHVR attended. This included four truck information sessions across four states on one day in September. John Gilbert, NHVR’s Manager of Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Experience said the national day of engagement was a success as it allowed operators to talk to the team in a more relaxed environment. "Some of this engagement has already led to changes and better wording of policy documents the NHVR has produced," he said. > See all events

Events & Webinars

The NHVR hosts many forums and online webinars throughout the year. Visit the events page on the website to keep up with the latest events or browse our YouTube channel for webinars and training tools.

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