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Time Business News
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Freighthub's Guide to Heavy Transport Laws in Australia
Understanding heavy transport laws in Australia is crucial for anyone involved in freight logistics, road transport, or oversized vehicle operations. Freighthub simplifies complex legislation by breaking down rules, regulations, and use cases related to heavy haulage across all states and territories. This guide outlines the core legal framework, operational requirements, and situational applications relevant to heavy freight. Whether moving mining equipment across Western Australia or delivering construction materials to Sydney, compliance is not optional—it is mandatory. Heavy transport laws in Australia govern the movement of large, oversized, or overmass vehicles. These laws ensure road safety, infrastructure protection, and traffic efficiency. Key legislation includes: Regulation Description Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) Governs vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM) in most states. Mass and Dimension Limits Sets weight and size restrictions based on vehicle type and route. Load Restraint Guide Details how loads must be secured to prevent shifting or spillage. Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Holds parties in the supply chain accountable for compliance. New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT operate under HVNL, while Western Australia and the Northern Territory apply separate state-based laws. Heavy transport laws include the following attributes: Weight regulations: Each axle group has defined limits. For example, a tandem axle may carry up to 16.5 tonnes. Each axle group has defined limits. For example, a tandem axle may carry up to 16.5 tonnes. Dimension controls: Standard vehicle width must not exceed 2.5 metres. Standard vehicle width must not exceed 2.5 metres. Permit requirements: Oversized vehicles must obtain special permits for specific routes. Oversized vehicles must obtain special permits for specific routes. Driver fatigue management: Driving hours and rest periods are strictly regulated. Driving hours and rest periods are strictly regulated. Vehicle standards: Vehicles must pass roadworthiness tests and maintain logbooks. These laws exist to protect public infrastructure and prevent dangerous incidents on roads. visit for more information: Regulatory enforcement functions are handled by both national and state-level agencies: Agency Function National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Administers HVNL in most states, issues permits, audits compliance. State Transport Departments Regulate heavy vehicle operations in WA and NT, oversee local permits. Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) Investigates transport incidents and monitors safety data. Freighthub collaborates directly with these authorities to secure approvals, file movement applications, and ensure documentation aligns with legal expectations. Freighthub handles various heavy transport scenarios: Industry Use Case Mining Relocation of drills, excavators, and loaders exceeding 100 tonnes. Construction Delivery of beams, cranes, and modular buildings. Agriculture Movement of harvesters, sprayers, and grain silos. Energy Transport of wind turbine blades and electrical transformers. Each use case requires detailed planning, adherence to road and bridge capacity limits, and often the inclusion of pilot vehicles to ensure safe transport. Pros Cons Enhances road safety by preventing overloading and equipment failure. Compliance paperwork can be complex and time-consuming. Protects infrastructure from premature damage. Permits may delay urgent deliveries. Ensures industry accountability through Chain of Responsibility. Regulatory differences between states can confuse operators. Freighthub reduces these cons by managing permit applications, load compliance, and route assessments. Heavy transport laws apply to: Freight carriers moving oversized or overmass cargo moving oversized or overmass cargo Fleet managers overseeing vehicle schedules and driver shifts overseeing vehicle schedules and driver shifts Construction companies transporting structural elements transporting structural elements Agricultural producers shifting large machinery shifting large machinery Mining operators hauling heavy-duty equipment hauling heavy-duty equipment Energy developers installing large-scale infrastructure Freighthub serves as a logistics partner to each of these groups, navigating the legal and operational challenges of moving large loads. Heavy transport laws become highly relevant during: Interstate hauls requiring multi-jurisdiction permits requiring multi-jurisdiction permits Night-time or weekend travel when curfews apply when curfews apply Oversized equipment relocation requiring pilot vehicles. relocation requiring pilot vehicles. Remote deliveries involving bridges and unsealed roads involving bridges and unsealed roads High-risk periods like public holidays or weather alerts Freighthub plans these moves by analysing curfew zones, construction schedules, bridge limits, and alternative routes in real time. There are 3 main types of heavy transport permits in Australia: Permit Type Purpose Example Class 1 Oversize or overmass indivisible loads Moving a large excavator Class 2 Performance-based vehicles (PBS) B-doubles and road trains Class 3 Vehicles not covered by Class 1 or 2 Special-purpose vehicles Freighthub applies for these permits through NHVR's portal or directly with state authorities when operating in WA or NT. Chain of Responsibility (CoR) law means everyone in the supply chain shares legal responsibility, not just the driver. This includes: Consignors and consignees Vehicle operators Loaders and unloaders Fleet managers Freighthub ensures all parties understand their obligations, from weight compliance to rest breaks. Failing to meet CoR requirements can result in fines, licence suspensions, or business restrictions. Here are 5 frequent errors made in heavy haulage that Freighthub helps clients avoid: Mistake Risk Overlooking dimension limits Legal penalties and transport bans Skipping rest breaks Fatigue-related accidents Inadequate load restraint Shifting cargo causing crashes Wrong route selection Bridge strikes or road damage Incomplete permit data Fines or denied access Freighthub uses automated planning tools to flag compliance gaps before dispatch. To comply with heavy transport laws, Freighthub follows this 7-step process: Assess load weight, height, width, and length Choose a compliant vehicle or trailer configuration Check curfews and infrastructure limits Apply for permits via NHVR or state regulators Plan route using bridge maps and road access tools Coordinate pilot vehicles if required. Monitor driver schedules for fatigue compliance Freighthub's planning team includes certified route assessors, former regulators, and experienced logistics professionals. Heavy transport laws in Australia are not just rules—they are safeguards. From mass limits to Chain of Responsibility, every regulation plays a role in keeping roads safe and transport efficient. By following the correct procedures, companies protect their workforce, assets, and the public. Freighthub brings clarity to a complex space. With the right planning, permits, and people, heavy haulage becomes a controlled, compliant, and reliable operation. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Outrage after Aussie farmer cops $398 fine for helping drought-stricken neighbour
Aussies are fuming after a farmer recently copped a $398 fine for moving two bales of hay across a road to a help out his drought-stricken neighbour. Graham Thomson, a hay contractor based in Condah, in Victoria's extremely dry southwest, was lugging the sheep feed on his tractor forks when a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) officer's flashing lights brought him to a halt. The long-time local said he had checked there were no other vehicles in sight before he travelled the 600 metres down the road, and across the Henty Highway. However, Mr Thomson said the officer informed him he wasn't allowed to haul anything on the front-end loader on a public road, and issued him the hefty fine for 'not restraining' the hay. 'I'm meant to have a load binder over them. I've been farming for about 50 years and I didn't know that,' he told Sheep Central, adding the officer said he would need to place the hay on a truck to transport it on the road. 'I didn't say anything, but one minute he says I can't carry anything on the road and then he books me for carrying something on it that's not restrained. So that didn't make sense to me.' The incident — which reportedly occurred the same day a mental health event for farmers was held at the Condah Hotel — has infuriated others, with another local farmer Andy Satchell slamming the decision online. A video uploaded to his Facebook shows the unsecured load in question. 'To say Thommo was upset would be an understatement,' he wrote. 'Surely farmers have a right to keep their livestock fed.' The clip has since gone viral, with thousands of Aussie sharing their frustration over the 'ridiculous' fine. 'Every farmer is breaking the law as soon as they put a round roll or a square bale on those forks to go across a road,' Mr Thomson told Sheep Central. 'The fine was worth more than the value of the hay.' A GoFundMe page set up on Mr Thomson's behalf is raising money to help him fight the fine in court. 'Thommo is choosing to contest the fine in court because he believes that, after 60+ years in the industry, helping a neighbour feed their livestock shouldn't be penalised,' the fundraiser reads. Another aim of the fight is to make sure the voices of famers are heard, the page says. Mr Thomson has requested all excess funds be donated to the National Centre for Farmer Health. 'Due to farmers experiencing environmental factors, such as drought and floods, I'd like any excess funds to go to farmer mental health, as we need to keep the food chain going,' Mr Thomson said. 🚘 Major road rule changes coming into effect on July 1 across Australia 👮 New laws with up to $80,000 fine that many don't know is illegal 🐑 Incredible rural scene brings 'glimmer of hope' to struggling Aussies A NHVR spokesperson told Yahoo News safety on Australian roads is a "top priority" and it's their job to prevent road accidents. 'On 8 June, SCOs intercepted a tractor carrying two double stacked large hay bales on the Henty Highway in Condah, with one of the bales not restrained. The SCOs applied both an engagement and enforcement method, by providing education to the driver on his registration conditions in regard to carrying a load on the highway, and the driver was also issued a minor load restraint infringement for the unrestrained bale,' the spokesperson said. 'Though the NHVR is committed to its 'inform and educate' approach, road safety is always the highest priority and enforcement action may be taken when necessary to help ensure all road users, including both the heavy vehicle driver and other motorists, make it to their destination safely.' According to the state's Heavy Vehicle National Law schedule of penalties, Mr Thomson was hit with the minimum fine for breaching mass, dimension or loading requirements. The maximum penalty is an eye-watering $13,310. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Warning about $15,000 fine after tradie pulled over on rural Aussie road: 'Immediate disbelief'
Authorities were in "immediate disbelief" this week when an east coast truck driver was caught hauling road build materials along with two large, unsecured pipes that were left precariously balanced on top of the vehicle. Australia's National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) warned of the dangers of driving with unsecured loads, after pulling over the tradie in the Mareeba Shire in north Queensland. Speaking to the Yahoo News Australia, a NHVR spokesperson said the penalties for such a dangerous act include fines as high as $15,000. "Due to the severity of the overhang at the vehicle's rear and no load restraint in place," the spokesperson explained. "No immediate penalty or fine was issued as the matter has been referred to our prosecutions unit," they added. The NHVR said Queensland Safety and Compliance Officers promptly intercepted the driver, who had "no reasonable explanation" about their loading methods. "Further checks also found the vehicle to be defective and incorrectly registered," it said. "It's essential to make sure your load is appropriately restrained to keep everyone safe on the road." Unsecured loads on vehicles pose significant safety hazards on Australian roads, leading to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. While national statistics on these incidents are limited, cases like the tragic death of a 53-year-old motorcyclist in Queensland — who was struck by a fallen ladder — highlight the severe consequences of inadequate load restraint. Drivers accused of 'selfish' road act amid widespread trend Motorists warned over road act that carries a fine in every state Unusual load on major road risks whopping fine In 2021, a motorcyclist was killed while swerving to avoid a ladder which fell from a ute on the Pacific Motorway at Nerang. Loose items can become deadly projectiles, endangering drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike. Using appropriate restraints, such as chains, webbing straps, or tensioners, ensures that cargo remains stable during transit. Drivers have been urged to check all items are securely fastened before departure and conduct routine inspections during the journey to ensure restraints have not loosened. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.