HIGH productivity vehicles (big trucks) are central to the South Australian Freight Council's submission to the Senate Select Committee for Productivity, highlighting their value for both business and safety.
The SAFC noted HPVs had formed part of the state government's Freight and Supply Chain Strategy in 2024, with a vision for provide a safer, more productive and sustainable supply chain .
SAFC chief executive Jonathan Wilson said national road network infrastructure could “directly influence” HPV usage.
“HPVs reduce risk exposure for users by requiring fewer heavy vehicles to move the same volume of freight, supporting lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions,” Mr Wilson said.
“This also reduces urban congestion, which costs the South Australian economy approximately $1.4 billion annually.”
The submission also recommended adjustments for assessing supply chain readiness within the national road network under section 197 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
“SAFC urge consideration of wholistic SCM design for times of adversity, such as declared disasters to enable the utilisation of all or any road, rail, sea and air freight mode option,” Mr Wilson said.
“SCM design could include a measurement tool for assessing the supply chain readiness of the entire road network, both in the event of a local adversity to support SCM during an emergency.”
The SAFC also said expanded heavy vehicle access on key freight corridors “presents a significant opportunity to deliver safety, productivity and environmental benefits” through advanced vehicle technology.
“A harmonised HVNL, administered by the NHVR, must continue to support productivity outcomes,” the SAFC statement read.
“Gazetting key sections of the network for higher levels of access will, in turn, enable improved first mile access for adjacent industries such as livestock, food processing … as well as enhancing connectivity to rail and port terminals.”
First-last mile access refers to the short distance to connect a freight origin point such as a business or farm to a heavy vehicle route.
Reduced permit applications and turnaround times to improve productivity were also part suggested overhauls in the submission.
"SAFC encourages the road managers to provide pre-approvals for frequently used vehicle types and first-last mile destinations," Mr Wilson said.