Punjab Roadtrains/Auswide Transport Solutions and Southern Cross Freight Lines in frame
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has added two more companies to what is looking like a prohibition notice spree following one issued last week.
The notice now also applies to Melbourne-based Punjab Roadtrains Pty Ltd (ACN 153 275 971) trading as Auswide Transport Solutions, and associated company Southern Cross Freight Lines Pty Ltd (ACN 620 756 998), following an investigation into fatigue management and other safety issues.
On Friday, the NHVR issued a prohibition notice Melbourne-based Sidhu Investments (QLD) Pty Ltd, trading as Auswide Linehaul Services.
The notice will restrict the ability of the companies to operate, direct or schedule heavy vehicles until they undertake specified corrective processes.
“Driver fatigue is a serious safety issue and the NHVR will take the necessary actions to ensure that it is appropriately managed,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says.
Read about the Auswide Linehaul Services grounding, here
The notice, issued under s 576A of the HVNL, orders the company to cease operating until it has implemented controls for fatigue management and training, fitness for duty, and non-conformance management.
“The NHVR is working with Punjab Roadtrains to ensure that perishable or other time-critical loads can be safely transported,” the regulator says.
“NHVR investigators previously entered the company premises in September this year.”