Austroads and its business unit Transport Certification Australia (TCA) have welcomed the release of a new industry guide designed to help freight operators make better decisions about the use of GPS and telematics systems.
Developed by the South Australian Road Transport Association (SARTA) and the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), the guide was unveiled at the SARTA Conference 2025.
Drawing on a national survey of transport operators, it provides practical advice on selecting, procuring and maintaining technology that enhances road safety, compliance and operational efficiency.
Supporting informed, data-driven transport operations
Dr Geoff Allan, Chief Executive of Austroads and Managing Director of TCA, says the publication reflects the growing maturity of Australia’s freight technology sector.
“We recognise the significant contribution SARTA and the ATA have made by gathering industry input and producing this comprehensive guide,” Allan says. “It truly reflects the voice of the industry and will serve as a valuable tool for both operators and vendors.”
Survey results reveal that 68 per cent of operators now use TCA type-approved or certified systems, showing strong industry confidence in verified technologies. These systems are crucial for providing reliable, accurate data for compliance and operational monitoring, from fatigue management and route tracking to mass measurement and equipment oversight.
Reliability and certification key to trust
Gavin Hill, TCA General Manager of Strategic Engagement and Performance, says the findings highlight the importance of certification in ensuring data integrity.
“The road transport industry now relies on GPS and telematics systems for the safe, compliant and efficient operation of heavy vehicles and drivers,” Hill says. “What the guide highlights is that not all systems are created equal, which means the reliability and integrity of data generated by these systems can’t be taken for granted.”
Hill adds that even as telematics adoption grows, unverified systems can expose operators to unnecessary risk.
“Just because data is collected from GPS and telematics systems does not make that data suitable for all safety, compliance and operational purposes,” he says.
The guide reinforces the role of TCA’s independent assessment processes, which ensure that systems meet the functional and technical requirements demanded by industry and government.
Operators can now choose from 15 suppliers of type-approved telematics devices and 12 certified service providers, including nine type-approved Smart OBM (On-Board Mass) systems, to meet a range of operational and compliance needs.
Building confidence through collaboration
The guide also draws on more than three decades of experience across fleets of all sizes, from small owner-operators to national carriers. According to the GPS and Telematics Systems report, most operators now see these systems as essential tools for planning, maintenance tracking and driver welfare, with many using them to verify routes, ensure fatigue compliance and improve customer communication.
Austroads’ collaboration with industry leaders ensures that telematics standards continue to evolve alongside the needs of operators.
TCA’s administration of the National Telematics Framework supports governments and industry by securely managing data to inform infrastructure planning, freight efficiency and compliance.
Allan says the guide’s release marks an important milestone in that process.
“By giving operators the right information, we’re empowering them to make decisions based on accurate, independently verified data, which is crucial for safety and productivity across the sector,” he says.