News

Register today for VTA Golf Day at Commonwealth Golf Club
The VTA is continuing to accept registrations for the annual VTA Golf Day at Commonwealth Golf Club on Monday, 12 November. The TWUSUPER sponsored event is always one of the most popular on the VTA’s social calendar, and with previous events selling out quickly, we encourage those interested in participating to register early to avoid missing out. Hole sponsorships are also available by contacting Kevin Halpin on 9646 8590. To register visit the VTA website or complete a registration form, which also contains pricing and event information.

Regional Roads Victoria Western Highway works advisory
Regional Roads Victoria is encouraging operators to be aware of major construction on the roundabout at the intersection of the Western Highway and O’Callaghans Parade in Horsham. Works are expected to be completed by mid-December. Traffic management will be in place throughout construction to ensure the safety of road users and workers, including road side messaging, reduced speed limits and reduced lane widths.

Port Infrastructure Access Charges Rise Again
The recent announcement by DP World Australia to increase the port infrastructure access charge in Melbourne from $47.50 to $85.30 per full container plus the near doubling of Slot fees from $6.89 to $12.95 per slot has come as an unexpected shock to the road carrier industry that services the movement of containers in port of Melbourne.

In just over eighteen months the Port Infrastructure Access Charge for Melbourne has risen from approximately $3.50 per full container to what will be from the 1st January 2019 $85.30 per full container. The Infrastructure Access Charge is invoiced by the stevedore against the road transport provider.

The VTA is making industry representation in other forums to address the associated issues. We recommend all Port road carriers to prepare your business systems, your communications and your customers to this looming wave of direct cost increases. The VTA will be assisting with Form Letters to customers and other means to better explain the issue. Please contact our office to discuss your specific issues and concerns and we will assist where possible.

VTA launches Safety Management System workshop to coincide with CoR law changes
With new Chain of Responsibility laws taking effect on Monday, 1 October, the VTA has announced a new workshop on October 10 focusing on Safety Management Systems and the changes to CoR. The SMS workshop covers why the law has changed and what the changes mean for operators, with an emphasis on the safety duties now incumbent on operators.

The workshop is aimed to transport company owners and senior executives, managers and supervisors, safety and compliance operators, contract and training managers, and legal representatives. The cost of the course is $305 (inc GST) for VTA members and $390 for non-members. For further information and to register please to the booking form.

NHVR registration services go live
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has announced operators will have access to their fleet’s registration details on one dedicated web-based platform. The NHVR’s new Registration Services module, available via the NHVR Portal, allows operators to access details of all the vehicles in their registered fleet.

The free service also allows operators to confirm details recorded with transport authorities, check registration transfers and changes, and download or print vehicle records to provide to other parties in their supply chain. The NHVR Portal was established in 2016 to allow heavy vehicle operators to process permit applications on line. For more information check out www.nhvr.gov.au/regoportal

Victorian Government announces second stage of Monash Freeway upgrades
The second stage of the Monash Freeway Upgrade announced by the Victorian Government which will add 36 kilometres of new lanes and is expected to significantly improve traffic and productivity for freight operators. Smart on-road technology to be installed from the South Gippsland Freeway to the Beaconsfield Interchange will also provide drivers with live traffic information and will also manage lanes to optimise how the road is used.

The second stage upgrades have coincided with the expected announced that a six-month trial to make restrictions to trucks using the right-hand lane will become permanent. The restrictions will continue to apply to trucks travelling in both directions between Huntingdale Road, Mount Waverley and Jacksons Road, Noble Park. Construction of the new lanes will start next year, with completion expected in mid-2022.

Heavy vehicle accreditation fees set to increase
The NHVR has announced National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) fees will increase from Monday, October 15. The NHVAS is a voluntary alternative to conventional heavy vehicle compliance and was originally established in 1999.

The NHVR says current pricing does not reflect the true cost of assessing applications and the assistance provided by its Accreditation Team, and that under the ‘Establish, maintain or add accreditation module/s’, mass, maintenance and Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) will increase from $84 to $88, while Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) will rise from $127 to 134. Under the ‘Vehicles to be added or remain in accreditation module/s’, mass management and maintenance management will increase from $27 to 32 per vehicle.

Viva Energy innovates bulk delivery Omega System
Multiple orders made by bulk fuel customers and carriers will be transformed according to VTA supporter Viva Energy, after it made improvements to loading gantry systems being rolled out across its refinery and terminals.

The ‘Close Load at Bay’ function will make the time consuming logistical process safer and more efficient, following upgrades to its Geelong Distribution Gantry where the Omega system enables customers to load multiple orders at the same bay.

The reduced lane widths mean over-size vehicles greater than 3m wide and/or 30m long will not be able to use the intersection. Smaller vehicles, including B-doubles, will be able to use the intersection with caution. Drivers travelling through the area are advised to be aware of changed traffic conditions. Traffic will need to be held from time to time and delays of five minutes can be expected. Operators are urged to observe signage for detours, and to plan any travel through the area to avoid delays. Call 133 RRV to confirm impact on your journey.

ARTIO Elections Due
The Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO) is the industry’s only registered representative body for employers with the Fair Work Commission. Its election of office bearers is done every four years. These elections are due to be held in November 2018. ARTIO members will be receiving notification and ballot paper from the Australian Election Commission over the coming weeks.