Map makes finding a place to rest easier

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has thanked Pacific National for changing its policy to allow truck drivers access to its toilets, change rooms and kitchens.

The news comes just hours after the ATA called for Pacific National to immediately reverse its decision to ban truck drivers from accessing amenities at its sites across the country.

“We are really pleased on behalf of all the professional men and women who drive trucks in this country at how quickly this issue was resolved,” ATA CEO Ben Maguire said.

“This is a perfect example of why the community must remember the importance for truck drivers to be afforded what the rest of us expect on a daily basis.

“When we put out our call this morning to have the decision reversed, the ATA was immediately phoned by Pacific National executives who pledged to take immediate action,” he said.

In a statement, Pacific National Director of Corporate Affairs, Andrew Huckel, said, “Pacific National has been in discussions with the ATA to arrive at solutions to provide suitable toilet facilities for truckies without risking the health of freight train crews and terminal operations in our depots.

“The issue has already been resolved at our key rail terminals in Melbourne and Perth through the provision of separated toilet facilities. Separated facilities will be introduced at other Pacific National facilities across the country by close of business today to maintain strict social distancing practices.”

“As well as efforts from the ATA, Chair of the Western Roads Federation Craig Smith-Gander swung into action to help us sort this out, and was actively engaged in rectifying the issue,” Mr Maguire said.

“Truck drivers play an essential role in the Australian freight supply chain. I am pleased that Pacific National recognise this and are now working to demonstrate their support,” he said.

Trucking industry thanks pacific national for listening

The NHVR has launched a new online tool that maps service centres, truck stops and roadhouses that remain open for heavy vehicle drivers.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that the tool provided information about services and trading hours for service centres right across the country.

“Having access to food, showers, toilets and appropriate rest is critical for drivers to properly manage their fatigue,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“This new mapping tool will allow drivers to jump online and see quickly which facilities are still operational and providing these important services, allowing them to plan routes and breaks.

“We’ve worked with major retailers to develop this tool quickly, to support drivers at a time of significant demand for some freight supply chains.”

This tool was developed following protocols released by the government and NHVR to allow heavy vehicle drivers to continue to access these facilities.

Western Roads Federation CEO Cam Dumesny said the map would ensure continued support for smaller and

remote roadhouses.

“In any state with vast distances, these facilities are critical to allow our drivers to get a proper rest, a feed and get on with the job of moving freight safely,” he said.

“It’s also important that both retailers and drivers are required to follow hygiene and social distancing guidelines to ensure the continued health and wellbeing of all workers and drivers.”

Mr Dumesny also thanked WA Freight and Logistics Council Chair Nicole Lockwood for enabling WA’s data to be contributed to the NHVR map in order to create a national solution.

Themap can be accessed at: https://nhvr. maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index. html?id=eb63f81247844052aaad2f71fe31792c and will also be available through the NHVR Route Planner shortly.

This information has been provided to the NHVR by retailers and heavy vehicle operators and may not be comprehensive. If you have been out on the roads and have seen a business that isn’t listed on the map please get in touch with us via email at info@nhvr.gov.au or via Facebook Messenger at www.facebook.com/ nhvrofficial