Tech Assist

HVIA Completes Successful Round of Member Forums

3 September 24

CEO Todd Hacking updated members on HVIA’s key activities in the latest round of Member Forums held across Australia throughout August, including the strong calibre of individuals putting up their hand to volunteer for the board following a call for nominations

Main Roads WA Releases HV Route Assessment Toolkit

3 September 24

The Heavy Vehicle Services team within the Department of Main Roads Western Australia has released a suite of tools that will help road managers to conduct route assessments for Restricted Access Vehicles in Western Australia

Industry Feedback Drives Further ROVER Changes

26 August 24

The Department of Infrastructure has been quick to respond to issues raised in the August 5 Industry Feedback Forum for the ROVER Portal Rebuild, identifying some “quick wins” which it has packaged into ROVER Release 9.1

WHG Roadshow Drives Awareness Of Fatigue Tech

20 August 24

In early August, HVIA attended WHG’s ‘Tech Drive’ industry event held in Melbourne, part of a roadshow of events the telematics and technology provider has been running over the past two years

Telstra, Optus Announce Extension To 3G Closures

20 August 24

Telstra and Optus will extend the closure of their 3G networks and conduct a public safety awareness campaign so all Australians know what action they need to take

RAV Changes Reflect Safer, More Fuel Efficient Vehicles

13 August 24

The Department of Infrastructure is planning changes to the Register of Approved Vehicles to take account of the Safer Freight Vehicles initiative, the increasing numbers of low- and zero-emission vehicles on the market, and New Vehicle Efficiency Standards

ROVER Improvement Consultation Commences

7 August 24

Last week the Department of Infrastructure commenced the planning for the next round of improvements to the ROVER computer system

HV Crash Expert To Address HVIA Member Forums

7 August 24

The next round of HVIA Member Forums to be held across Australia throughout August will feature a presentation on the latest heavy vehicle crash statistics from NTI Transport Research Manager Adam Gibson

TfNSW Plans Upgrade Of Vehicle Testing Facility

7 August 24

The NSW Government is investing $30 million to significantly expand the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre in Cudal, paving the way for new highway speed and heavy vehicle testing

HVIA Maps Out Way Forward For Powered Trailers

7 August 24

HVIA has followed up the inaugural meeting of its Powered Trailer Working Group in late June by meeting with representatives from key regulators on August 1 to progress its powered trailer strategy

HVIA Unveils Agenda For Upcoming Member Forums

31 July 24

HVIA has released the agenda for the next round of Member Forums to be held across Australia throughout August. The meetings build on an extensive schedule of activities already in motion for 2024

NHVR Launches National Roadworthiness Survey

24 July 24

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has launched the National Roadworthiness Survey, which aims to drive safety and efficiency improvements to the mechanical condition of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet

Members Call For Improvements To New ROVER Portal

23 July 24

HVIA has suggested further improvements to the new ROVER portal following a request for feedback from members from the Federal Department of Infrastructure

Save The Date For Q3 HVIA Member Meetings

17 July 24

The next round of HVIA member meetings will be staged in late August, covering off the latest developments in government policy and legislation of relevance to the heavy vehicle industry

HVIA To Attend Vehicle Standards Consultative Forum

16 July 24

HVIA Chief Technical Officer Adam Ritzinger will be attending the next Vehicle Standards Consultative Forum in Brisbane in September

HVIA Celebrates Final Version Of New Tipper Design Code

10 July 24

On July 1, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator released the final version of its ‘J4’ tipper body design code, marking the conclusion of a lengthy period of industry consultation – and a major win for industry

Collaboration Secures Win on Next-Gen Brake Regs

10 July 24

HVIA is representing the interests of brake system suppliers to smooth regulatory pathway for next-generation braking systems

Department Updates Guidance On Vehicle Recalls

2 July 24

The Department of Infrastructure has produced a suppliers’ guide on applying for and managing “not-reporting” status for voluntary recalls

NHVR Releases Safer Freight Vehicles Standards Guide

26 June 24

The NHVR has released VSG35 which provides guidance on the safety features vehicles are required to have fitted to a heavy vehicle in order to be allowed general access at 2.55m under the Safer Freight Vehicle reforms

NHVR Release Tipper Code Updates, Rollout Timetable

26 June 24

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has revealed the staged implementation dates for the revised J4 Tipper Body Design Code

Feedback Sought On ROVER Portal Rebuild

25 June 24

Following the release of the rebuilt ROVER Portal on June 12, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is seeking feedback on the priority for improvements to be included in the next version of ROVER

Submission Deadline Extended For HV Standards Review

18 June 24

The National Transport Commission has extended the deadline for feedback into its review of the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation until Friday, June 21

HVIA Reconnects Trailer Wiring Working Group

12 June 24

HVIA has announced a re-focussed trailer wiring working group in recognition that setting the requirements of the Australian Design Rules to allow safe, sensible, practical, and cost-effective compliance options remains a core function of its technical activities

NHVR Flag Major Changes To Tipper Code Update

5 June 24

This week saw another successful and productive round of review of industry feedback from HVIA, VACC and the CVIAA on the finalisation of the J4 code in Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6

ROVER, RAV Outage This Friday For Portal Rebuild

5 June 24

The ROVER Portal – the online portal for applications and approvals under the Road Vehicle Standards legislation – will be unavailable from 5pm this Friday, June 7 until 9am Wednesday, June 12 to allow for a planned rebuild

Consultation Open On Automated Vehicle Legislation

29 May 24

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts and the National Transport Commission are consulting on a new regulatory framework that will support the safe use of automated vehicles on Australian roads

Final Call To Register For This Week’s Member Forum

28 May 24

HVIA will hold its first online member meeting for 2024 this Thursday, May 30 featuring a guest speaker from the NTC presenting on its autonomous vehicles project

Call For Feedback On Heavy Vehicle Standards Reg Review

28 May 24

HVIA is seeking feedback from members to guide amendments to the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation

QLD TMR Propose Reform Of Written-Off Vehicle Scheme

21 May 24

Transport and Main Roads in Queensland has released a discussion paper proposing wholesale reform of its written-off vehicle scheme

Exclusive: QLD Releases First Network Map For ZEHV

22 April 24

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads has released the first network map for zero-emissions heavy vehicles

AVAS Technology Mandated On Trucks From 2025

19 April 24

The Federal Government has introduced a new design rule that will require new electric, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell cars, trucks and buses to be fitted with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System from November 2025

NVHR Seeks Feedback On Mobile Crane Industry Code

16 April 24

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is seeking public feedback on the Mobile Crane Industry Code of Practice by Wednesday, May 15, 2024

NHVR Issue Updated Modification Code For Tipper Bodies

10 April 24

After consultation and feedback from industry, the NHVR has issued draft text for Modification Code J4 (Tipper Bodies) in Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 and advised updated implementation timing

HVIA EV Transition Inquiry Submission Calls For HV Focus

10 April 24

HVIA recently made a submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water’s Inquiry into the transition to electric vehicles

New Details Revealed On NSW Axle Mass Limit Increases

3 April 24

HVIA met this week with Transport for New South Wales to get an update on the low- and zero-emission axle mass increase scheme in that state

HVIA Seek Changes To Powered Trailer Regulations

27 March 24

HVIA is seeking to resolve outstanding regulatory issues necessary to enable widespread use of powered axles in heavy vehicle combination

Member Update: LZEV Axle Mass Limit Increases

27 March 24

HVIA is continuing its important advocacy work with the Australian states that have announced axle mass limit increases for next-generation low and zero emission heavy vehicles in trials and other initiatives

Advantia Project Aims To Streamline PBS Accessibility

20 March 24

HVIA member Advantia Transport Consulting is seeking industry feedback on a project to advance Performance Based Standards vehicle accessibility

HVIA Releases Details Of New Member Forums

20 March 24

HVIA has unveiled the dates and locations for the remaining member meetings scheduled for 2024 – lock them in your diary!

NTC Seeks Further Consultation On Review Of DG Code

11 March 24

The National Transport Commission has launched a new round of consultation on the comprehensive review of the Australian Code for the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail

New NHVR Loading Guides Available Online

14 February 24

The NHVR is progressively releasing a series of loading guides for heavy vehicles on its website

HVIA To Attend Vehicle Standards Consultative Forum

14 February 24

HVIA Chief Technical Officer Adam Ritzinger will be attending the next Vehicle Standards Consultative Forum in Canberra in March

New RAV Site Incorporates Safer Freight Vehicles

14 February 24

The NHVR has launched a new RAV website that features improved user-friendliness and also includes Safer Freight Vehicle information on relevant approval

Qld Rejects Plan To Extend Electrical Licensing To EV’s

23 January 24

The Queensland Government has rejected a proposal to extend the electrical licensing framework to cover electric vehicle

HVIA Raise Alarm On PBS Notice Interpretation Change

20 December 23

HVIA has recently become aware of a situation where some operators have been denied network access for specific truck/trailer combinations, despite meeting all published legal requirements

NHVR Extends Transitional Arrangements For VSB6

20 December 23

The NHVR has extended the current transitional arrangements allowing authorised examiners and signatories to certify tipper bodies under the old VSB6 v3.1 Section J requirements until July 1, 2024

NHVR Resolves Tow Truck Length Compliance Issue

19 December 23

The NHVR has resolved an issue that emerged earlier this year where a tow truck operator was issued with a non-compliance notice for exceeding dimensional limits

Strategy Relaxes Labour Market Test For Overseas Workers

19 December 23

The Government's new Migration Strategy contains significant wins for employers, including relaxation of the Labour Market Test and a new Skills in Demand visa that may include truck drivers

Partnership To Underpin Growth Of Hydrogen Skills Set

19 December 23

Hyzon Motors Australia and the Kangan Institute have joined forces to develop an innovative Hydrogen Education and Training Precinct that will support local learning, training, and modern manufacturing

NTC Seeks Further Feedback On Proposed HVNL Reforms

15 December 23

NTC launches survey targeted at heavy vehicle operators to help inform key proposed policy changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law

HVNL Reform Timetable Extended As NTC Seeks More Input

13 December 23

The timetable for drafting of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) legislative reforms has been extended with the package now due to go to Ministers in December 2024

Guide To Best Practice Load Restraint, Tyre Management

13 December 23

Tech guru Adam Ritzinger unpacks HVIA’s two new training courses, explains their relevance under Chain of Responsibility, and highlights the safety case for getting it right

Transport NSW Introduces New Conditions For PBS Vehicles

13 December 23

Transport for NSW has introduced new network conditions for Performance Based Standards vehicles in the state

HVIA Unveil First Round Of 2024 Committee Meetings

13 December 23

Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia has locked in the times and locations for the first round of State Committee Meeting in 2024

NHVR To Release New National Network Map

13 December 23

The NHVR has announced it will release a new National Network Map designed to provide a single central location to access information on approved routes for more than 1,000 heavy vehicle configurations across multiple jurisdictions

Plan To Mandate Acoustic Vehicle Alert Systems From 2025

6 December 23

Draft ADR proposes to mandate Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems for light vehicles from January 2025 and heavy vehicles from November 2025

HVIA Calls For Delay To Implementation Of VSB6 Update

6 December 23

The HVIA has called for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to extend the implementation date of the new version of VSB6 by an additional three months

NHVR Launches Pavement Impact Comparison Calculator

6 December 23

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has launched the interactive Pavement Impact Comparison Calculator to enable road managers to understand the long-term pavement effects of freight activity on roads

Time Running Out To Comply With Engineers Rego Scheme

29 November 23

The Victorian Engineers Registration Scheme will apply to mechanical engineers from December 1, 2024, and engineers providing mechanical engineering services covered by the legislation must be registered by that date or face fines of up to $96,000

NVHR Webinars To Provide Overview Of Freight PASS Tool

29 November 23

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is hosting a series of webinars which will provide an overview of its recently launched interactive tool, Freight PASS

Minister Signs ADRs To Support Zero Emissions Vehicles

29 November 23

Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown, has signed three new Australian Design Rules on zero emission vehicle safety

Braking Best: A Guide To Brake Servicing And Maintenance

21 November 23

HVIA tech guru Adam Ritzinger’s guide to in-service brake inspections, test methods, and equipment

HVIA Request Removal Of ‘Tipper Stability’ Calculation

15 November 23

HVIA has formally requested that the National Heavy Vehicle Regulatory remove the contentious ‘tipper stability’ calculation from the upcoming VSB6 update.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems Mandate Proposed

8 November 23

The Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport has raised the prospect of mandating tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS)

HVIA Calls For Consistency On Mass Limit Increases

1 November 23

HVIA calls for national consistency across the scope, details, and administration of separate state-based higher axle mass limit schemes

BRE Engineers Growth With New Cutting Edge Facility

1 November 23

HVIA member Bruce Rock Engineering last week officially opened a new state-of-the-art facility in Forrestfield WA

Truck Width, Mass Changes Dominate HVIA Meetings

25 October 23

HVIA’s October State Committee Meetings are under way and generating considerable discussion around a recent changes to truck width and axle mass limits.

Daimler Welcomes Increases In Axle Mass Limits For EVs

24 October 23

Axle weight limit increase trials for zero-emission vehicles in New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland welcomed by Daimler Truck Australia Pacific

HVIA Releases Fact Sheet On Navigating 3G Shutdown

24 October 23

New fact sheet explains the impending 3G network shutdown, the implications for industry, and what actions need to be taken to ensure you're not left in the lurch

HVIA Reveals Rigids Eligible For SA Axle Mass Trial

18 October 23

HVIA reveals further details of the South Australian low and zero emission heavy vehicle trial scheme

NHVR Launch Tool To Compare Heavy Vehicle Performance

18 October 23

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator this week launched a new interactive tool to help industry and road managers make more informed safety, productivity and sustainability decisions about the benefits of heavy vehicle combinations on the road network

NSW Announces Higher Mass Limits For ZEV Trial

4 October 23

Transport for NSW this week released its Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy, outlining a commitment to reduce emissions in the transport sector, including a trial of higher-mass zero emissions heavy vehicles on NSW roads.

Announcements Accelerate Freight Decarbonisation

4 October 23

The past five days have brought several game-changing announcements that will accelerate the decarbonisation of trucking in Australia.

HVIA Attends First Vehicle Standards Committee Meeting

20 September 23

HVIA meets with Federal Department of Infrastructure to discuss vehicle standards issues, including safety and environmental standards for heavy vehicles

Webinar: Managing the risks due to 3G network closure

6 September 23

Webinar provides high-level information on the impacts of the Australian 3G shutdown and what local government and transport industry need to do to prepare for the transition

NHVR release local government road managers’ info hub

5 September 23

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator releases new online information hub to support local government and road managers

Department reschedules ROVER webinar for this Friday

5 September 23

The Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport has rescheduled its webinar on upcoming changes to the functionality of the Road Vehicle Regulator (ROVER) administrative system for the Road Vehicle Standards Act

Busting the myths on truck width and road safety

26 July 23

While Australia eagerly awaits a decision by Federal transport ministers on reforms to Australia’s overall truck width limits, there has been some public commentary around the possible negative impacts of those increases, none of which have any merit.

HVIA welcomes the simplification of ROVER applications

28 June 23

The Department of Infrastructure has advised that it will remove the need for applicants to attach an extract or complete copy of UN approval documents to their applications.

Updated mechanical couplings standards for 2023

28 June 23

Standards Australia has published updated versions of mechanical couplings standards (AS/NZS 4968) for 2023.

BTS 2023 unpacked – Truck Show Tech Tours

7 June 23

Over the course of the four days of the Brisbane Truck Show, Adam took several groups through some technical highlights of the show’s main hall. Here are some insights from the engine room.

HVIA offers further support for members impacted by the VSB6 changes

6 June 23

In April this year, the NHVR published updates to Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) and announced a commencement date of 1st July 2023.

Under pressure – regulated axle load limits

12 April 23

The sheer volume of industry and stakeholder discussions on zero emission trucks is overwhelming, yet one clear theme is emerging – current axle load limitations may completely strangle efforts to decarbonise the industry if not addressed.

ROVER – outage reminder and new guidance released

12 April 23

Members are reminded that ROVER and the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) will be unavailable from 4 pm AEST on Friday 14 April until 9 am AEST on Tuesday 18 April 2023 while the Release 8B upgrade takes place.

Ritzinger talks CoR with ITC at TA23

5 April 23

HVIA’s Chief Technical Officer Adam Ritzinger talked Chain of Responsibility (CoR) technologies at the first ATA Industry Technical Council meeting for 2023.

Technology transforming Performance Based Standards

1 March 23

In this edition of ‘The Tech’s Files’, HVIA’s monthly series that explores topical technical issues impacting the trucking industry, we’re looking at the possibility of technology transforming the future of the NHVR’s Performance Based Standards (PBS).

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