If you are involved in the transport industry you will be familiar with the above logos.
Many changes in the transport industry have taken place over recent years. On 21 January 2013 the NHVAS accreditations and Performance-Based Standards applications have been administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) . On 10 February 2014 the NHVR took over the management of the permit system Australia-wide. Currently this is a task shared between the States and the NHVR - eventually the NHVR will be the body in control of issuing all permits.
More changes are proposed in the future with the NHVR calling itself a "one-stop shop" for the transport industry as a whole. Western Australia is currently not included as it has had its own accreditation infrastructure in place for many years. Tasmania is also yet to join the NHVR officially.
Accreditations offer value-added input to transport businesses through the policies and procedures required to meet accreditation Standards.
Accreditation can bring any of the following advantages:
- increased weights through the NHVAS Mass Management Module, depending on vehicle configuration
- exemption from annual roadworthy inspections for re-registration purposes through the NHVAS Maintenance Management Module. This module also gives operators a means of demonstrating the servicing strategies already in place in most businesses
- the ability to work additional hours through either of the NHVAS Fatigue Management Modules - Basic Fatigue Management and Advanced Fatigue Management
- all-encompassing risk assessment systems through the TruckSafe Industry Accreditation Program
- the ability of livestockers to demonstrate their duty of care to meet animal welfare criteria through the TruckCare Quality Assurance Program
- the ability to operate in Western Australia through that State's Fatigue and Maintenance accreditations once the allowable permits have expired
For businesses already accredited we specialise in management aids to assist in streamlining accreditation obligations. We have invested many hours in the development of regularly reviewed and revised systems and it may be that a simple gap analysis will identify some further simple steps to achieve full compliance.
It is not essential to be accredited if you are a transport owner or company. Again, a gap analysis also offers an opportunity to put simple systems into place to better manage the business, particularly in the current economic climate where it is essential business practice to know the costs associated with the running of trucks.
If you are floundering in paperwork we also specialise in the management of accreditation system records on behalf of operators. Our qualified staff members are properly trained in accreditation requirements and our feedback and support assures your continuing accreditation.