NHVR vows to remove inconsistencies for livestock and bulk carriers

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has promised to address inconsistencies in livestock and grain harvest management schemes as part of the next round of heavy vehicle industry harmonisation projects.

NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto, made the announcement at the recent Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers NSW Annual Conference, saying that work on consistent national standards for both branches of the industry would begin later this year.

“With the current round of Harmonisation projects being finalised, we are looking at our next targets, including consistency for operators and businesses in the livestock and bulk sectors,” said Petroccitto.

“There are currently a range of Grain Harvest Management Schemes operating with different allowances for mass, conditions and costs for each state.

“For example, NSW operators in the scheme are allowed an additional five per cent mass, while Queensland operators receive between 7.5 and 10 per cent additional mass. Victoria has a different arrangement again," he said.

The NHVR established a Harmonisation team in 2016 to work with industry to progress heavy vehicle regulation consistency between state governments.

According to Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers NSW Bulk Vice President, Kelvin Baxter, the industry is crying out for a level playing field for operators transporting livestock and grain.

“A review of all the various schemes is a welcome step and I look forward to working with the NHVR to put forward the views of our members from across NSW,” said Baxter.

Meanwhile, Petroccitto said the NHVR has already released a number of national notices, including notices for oversize over-mass vehicles, Performance-Based Standards (PBS) truck and dog combinations and the crane industry.

“More recently we finalised a National Class 2 B-double Notice and a National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination notice, which is currently with local government road managers for final approval,” he said.