new interstate freight protocol

News

24 July

Written By The ATA

NEW INTERSTATE FREIGHT PROTOCOL

**Image: Dayne Iles, Freighting Solutions and Tailored Freight**

National Cabinet has agreed to a new protocol for the movement of freight across borders and processes for testing drivers and other freight workers. National Cabinet agreed that further work needed to be carried out to upgrade the protocol to an enforceable code.

The protocol was developed with input from the Australian Logistics Council, the ATA and its member associations. Every organisation involved had an important role.

The protocol recognises the importance of the trucking industry and calls for dedicated freight lanes, freight wave throughs or prioritised entry at border control points.

It emphasises that empty trailers, prime movers without trailers and truck repair staff need to be able cross state borders to support the freight task. The states have also agreed to recognise COVID safe work plans prepared in another state.

The protocol encourages state governments to put in place routine testing of truck drivers and support workers who enter or leave a hot spot.

The ATA has urged every state government to adopt the Queensland practice of not requiring drivers to self-isolate after these routine screening tests, unless they have COVID symptoms or have been in close contact with a known case.

Earlier this week, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, the ATA and its members called for truckies to lead by example and take a proactive approach to protecting themselves and the community to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

“While the exemptions given to freight movement have been vital to ensuring goods and services are available across the country, it is also important to recognise that we have a responsibility to do what we can to reduce risk,” ATA CEO Ben Maguire said.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that while wearing a mask is not compulsory in all cases when crossing state borders, health authorities have highlighted the benefits of essential workers wearing a mask.

“We believe it is an important way to reduce risk and reassure the community that the industry is doing the right thing," he said.

ATA member associations like the Queensland Trucking Association have gone to extraordinary lengths to advocate on behalf of their members, as well as providing information and COVID-19 training.