HVIA Welcomes Fresh Face In PBS
As the NHVR’s Lead Mechanical Engineer PBS since January 2026, Saizo Takeuchi now leads the teams responsible for the assessment and approval of all Performance Based Standards Design and Vehicle Approvals.
Tool Helps Understand Impact Of HV Assets
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released a new version of Freight PASS, an online tool designed to help users compare the productivity, asset impact, safety and sustainability trade-offs of different heavy vehicle configurations.
New VIC Bridge Assessment Permit System
The Victorian Government is seeking to improve productivity for freight operators by rolling out the new Heavy Vehicle Structural Assessment Permit System, which uses advanced digital technology to automate up to 85 per cent of structural assessments for Class 1 and PBS vehicles – eliminating the need for most manual bridge and culvert assessments.
Code Lifts Safety Benchmarks
The Master Code for Australia’s heavy vehicle industry has been updated for the first time since 2018, with a key change the shift from role-based obligations and primary risk areas to a set of 46 distinct ‘transport activities’.
Braking Standards Changes Finalised
Yesterday, the NHVR announced the finalisation of its changes to the Directional Stability Under Braking (DSUB) standard in the Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme.
HVIA Responds To PBS Standards Review
This week, HVIA provided its response to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) review of the high-speed and stability standards in the Australian PBS scheme.
Apps Open For HV Safety Initiative Grants
Applications for round 11 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) have opened, with $4.4 million in grants dedicated to industry-led projects aimed at improving road safety for the heavy vehicle industry.
Webinar To Unpack New Master Code
The new ‘Master Code’, recognised under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, was released by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator on January 21, 2026, and is bringing in a significant maturity uplift across the supply chain industry when considering what is reasonably practicable for improving the safety of road transport activities.
Policy, Access, PBS On NHVR Agenda
HVIA staff took the opportunity last week to meet with key National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) staff at its headquarters in Brisbane.
PBS Standards Consultation Extended
The NHVR has approved a request by HVIA to extend the feedback deadline on its paper for the Phase 4 PBS standards review of the High-Speed and Stability Standard under Performance Based Standards (PBS).
SA HV Industry Wins Productivity Gains
South Australia’s heavy vehicle operators are set to further reap the benefits of ongoing access reforms that will cut red tape, open more pre-approved routes, and deliver faster, more consistent outcomes.
HVIA Responds To NHVR Corporate Plan
On September 18 the NHVR released its 2025-28 corporate plan, which outlines how the regulator will deliver on its safety, productivity and sustainability objectives in the short and medium term.