As a transport operator, keeping your fleet roadworthy isn’t just a legal necessity – it’s a cornerstone of running a safe, efficient, and compliant business. The Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) emphasises the critical importance of maintaining vehicles to required standards. Section 60 clearly states, “a person must not use, or permit to be used, a heavy vehicle that contravenes a heavy vehicle standard applying to the vehicle.” Additionally, Section 89 reinforces that “a person must not use, or permit to be used, on a road a heavy vehicle that is unsafe.” These provisions underline the serious responsibility operators have in ensuring their vehicles are both roadworthy and safe for everyone on the road.
This week, Hubfleet is excited to announce a significant update to its platform: scheduled maintenance tracking, a feature our users have been asking for. With this new functionality, operators can now schedule maintenance by kilometres or time and record all service information directly within the Hubfleet operator portal. This update solidifies Hubfleet as the go-to platform for compliance, combining fatigue, mass, and maintenance record-keeping in one seamless digital solution.
Compliance with HVNL: Why documentation matters
To meet your obligations under HVNL operators are required to maintain detailed records to verify compliance of vehicle maintenance, defect management, and pre-start inspections. These records serve as critical evidence of compliance during audits, inspections, or enforcement actions. Accurate documentation not only ensures compliance but also helps operators proactively identify and address issues before they escalate into safety hazards or legal liabilities.
When vehicles are found to be unsafe or non-compliant, the repercussions can range from improvement notices to significant fines or operations restrictions. Maintaining comprehensive records is not just about ticking regulatory boxes; it’s about protecting lives, safeguarding your business, and ensuring operational continuity.
Digital transformation with Hubfleet
Traditional paper-based systems for record-keeping are prone to inefficiency, errors, and loss. Hubfleet’s digital platform transforms compliance management, offering a robust system for tracking, managing and accessing records in real time. The newly added scheduled maintenance feature makes it easier than ever for operators to stay on top of maintenance obligations.
Scheduled maintenance is easy
With Hubfleet, operators can now schedule vehicle maintenance based on kilometres travelled or time intervals. The system automatically tracks these metrics and alerts users when a service is due. All service information – dates, inspection outcomes, parts replaced, and more – can be recorded directly within the operator portal, ensuring compliance with Section 89 of HVNL
Seamless pre-start inspections
Pre-start inspections are a fundamental requirement under the HVNL, ensuring vehicles are safe to operate. Hubfleet’s digital platform allows drivers to complete inspections via mobile devices, instantly flagging faults to the maintenance team. This eliminates delays, reduces the risk of unsafe vehicles hitting the road, and ensures a clear audit trail.
Proactive fault reporting
Operators must establish systems for documenting, reporting and rectifying vehicle faults. Hubfleet’s app streamlines this process, enabling drivers to report defects in real-time. Notifications are sent to the maintenance team immediately, ensuring issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
Audit-ready record keeping
When faced with a compliance audit or notice to produce, having organised records is crucial. Hubfleet centralises al compliance data – scheduled maintenance logs, defect reports, pre-start inspections, and more – ensuring operators can respond confidently and quickly.
Real-world consequences of non-compliance
The cost of non-compliance with the HVNL is steep, as recent cases demonstrate.
In one instance, a waste management company was fined $363,000 after a truck crash revealed systemic failures in brake maintenance. Tragically, the incident resulted in a fatality, underscoring the life-and-death stakes of compliance.
In another case, a transport operator faced a $35,000 fine after a trailer’s stabilising leg failed due to substandard repairs involving duct tape and cable ties. This negligence caused a collision that led to a fatality, highlighting how shortcuts in maintenance can have devastating consequences.
These examples illustrate the critical role of proper documentation in demonstrating compliance and avoiding penalties. With Hubfleet’s platform, operators have the tools to ensure that maintenance is not only performed but also thoroughly documented.
Building a culture of compliance
Hubfleet isn’t just an Electronic Work Diary (EWD); it’s a complete compliance management solution. With features like GPS cross-checking, fatigue management tools, mass record-keeping, and now scheduled maintenance tracking, Hubfleet provides operators with everything they need to meet their obligations under the HVNL.
Compliance is about safety, not just penalties
The HVNL emphasises that if it’s not documented, it didn’t happen. Thorough, accurate records are the foundation of compliance, protecting your business from penalties and ensuring the safety of everyone on the roads. By adopting a digital platform like Hubfleet, operators can streamline their compliance processes, improve operational efficiency, and focus on what matters most – running a safe and successful business.
To learn more about how Hubfleet can help your business stay compliant, visit https://www.hubfleet.com.au/ today. With tools like scheduled maintenance tracking, staying on top of your obligations has never been easier. Why wait? Make the switch into digital compliance and see the difference for yourself.
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