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Get Ready to Streamline Your Maintenance: Introducing the New Scheduled Service Module in Hubfleet!

Posted by Hubfleet

We’re thrilled to announce a major upgrade to Hubfleet: a powerful new Scheduled Service Module designed to simplify your maintenance scheduling and improve compliance.

Say Goodbye to Manual Spreadsheets and Hello to Automated Efficiency!

This new module gives you complete control over your fleet’s maintenance needs with features like:

  • Intuitive Scheduling: Easily schedule preventive maintenance tasks based on date, mileage, or engine hours.
  • Automated Reminders: Never miss a service again! Receive timely notifications for upcoming maintenance.
  • Detailed Service Records: Log all service activity, including parts used, labor costs, and any associated documents.
  • Compliance Tracking: Ensure your fleet stays compliant with automated service reminders and compliance checks.
  • Improved Reporting: Gain valuable insights into your maintenance operations with comprehensive reports

Benefits You’ll Love:

  • Reduced Downtime: Stay ahead of maintenance needs and minimise costly breakdowns.
  • Improved Compliance: Reduce the risk of non-compliance and potential fines.
  • Increased Efficiency: Streamline your maintenance processes and save valuable time.
  • Better Cost Management: Track maintenance expenses and optimise your budget.

Available Now

The Scheduled Service Module is now available. Here are links to documentation

Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to experience a whole new level of maintenance management with Hubfleet!

The HV drivers’ NHVR Approved EWD of choice

Posted by Hubfleet

Paper logbooks are a time-consuming, error-prone process (and likely soon to be a thing of the past).
With the advent of electronic work diaries (EWDs), heavy vehicle drivers now have access to a whole new host of benefits to make their lives easier and their work more efficient.

EWDs are the digital equivalent of paper logbooks. They allow drivers to record their work and rest times electronically, replacing the need for manual entries, to comply with fatigue management laws. They provide a real-time record that can be easily updated, monitored and audited.

Hubfleet is an especially driver-friendly EWD which offers many benefits beyond compliance.

 

Not fixed to the truck

Hubfleet is an EWD app which can be downloaded onto any work or personal mobile device. Unlike those hardwired to the cab of a vehicle, this allows drivers to update their records anywhere and anytime they choose. This BYO-device model also means the technology can be continuously updated with improvements and new features, rather than quickly becoming outdated like hardware EWDs.

 

Easy (and quick!) record keeping

With an intuitive interface and simple data entry process, Hubfleet allows drivers to record their work and rest times in just a few taps, saving valuable time that’s better spent on the road. This simplicity also reduces the risk of errors, ensuring more accurate records and less risk of accidental non-compliance with fatigue management rules.

Here’s a brief rundown of how simple it is to use the Hubfleet app:

  • Set up your device in about five minutes, including signing up, installing the app, entering some details and selecting the relevant fatigue management ruleset (Standard, BFM, AFM etc.).
  • Start a shift in a matter of seconds by inputting a few details; many can be auto-filled (e.g., if same vehicle/odometer reading, location via geo-tagging).
  • The dashboard will display a countdown to your required rest break. Hubfleet calculates and records rest/work periods to the nearest minute, rather than 15 minutes.
  • When ending a shift/having a rest break, simply enter the new odometer reading and location.
  • Records can be edited until you sign off at the end of shift with your secure four-digit pin.
  • The app allows drivers to record entries across multiple business profiles making it easy for those who work for more than one employer.
  • There are YouTube tutorials on app features and functions available for additional support.

 

Live breach alert

Hubfleet monitors work and rest periods in real-time, notifying drivers if there are potential breaches anticipated for their shift and when they are due to take a rest. An alert is prompted at 45 minutes, 30 minutes and 15 minutes prior to a required rest stop. This helps to prevent driver fatigue and improve safety as well as ensure compliance with regulations.

 

Compliance mode

In the event of a compliance check, drivers simply switch the app to compliance mode. This locks their device in a compliance-only view when handed over for inspection. This means authorities only have access to the information required for performing routine compliance checks.

As an industry-leading EWD, Hubfleet is revolutionising the experience of heavy vehicle drivers. Our app provides an unprecedented level of simplicity and convenience to make drivers’ lives easier and safer. It’s easy and intuitive to use, and answers many frustrations and pain points of long-time truckies. While undoubtedly EWDs are the future, Hubfleet is set to become the new industry standard.
Get in touch with our team for more information or start a free 14-day trial.

What is an NHVR Electronic Work Diary (EWD) and what are the benefits of using one?

Posted by Hubfleet

What is an Electronic Work Diary?

An electronic work diary (or EWD) is a digital device or system used to record the work and rest periods of heavy vehicle drivers. They can be used as a substitute for manual record-keeping in a written work diary or logbook. Work diaries are required to be kept in order to comply with heavy vehicle fatigue management laws.

Electronic work diaries must be approved by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). This means they satisfy the performance requirements outlined in the EWD Standards and must continue to do so to remain compliant.

Although EWDs are subject to the same regulatory obligations as written work diaries, they can streamline many of these requirements.

There are currently nine approved EWDs available in Australia.

 

How does an Electronic Work Diary work?

Drivers simply log in to the digital system and enter basic information, such as time/location, to record their shift or rest periods.

The system will calculate when drivers are due for a break or able to resume work by checking the driver’s work and rest periods against fatigue management rules. It will notify drivers when there’s a potential breach approaching.

EWD compliance is enforced during a roadside inspection the same way a written work diary is. All approved EWDs have a feature that allows them to present a read-only compliance view to an authorised officer at a roadside inspection.

 

What are the benefits of using an Electronic Work Diary?

  • Simplify compliance: EWDs automatically check drivers’ work and rest periods against fatigue management rules and warn of impending breaches. This makes it easy and convenient to maintain compliance and avoid the penalties of non-compliance.
  • No miscalculations: There’s no chance of miscalculations because drivers input work/rest times and the EWD will calculate their breaks automatically. If they make an error while entering their details, they can simply go back and edit the record. This minimises the risk of accidental non-compliance and ensures drivers are taking adequate breaks.
  • Save time: Electronic work diaries are far quicker and easier to fill out than written work diaries. Also, drivers can input their shift times to the nearest minute, rather than rounding to the nearest 15 minutes, which can save them up to 30-40 minutes each day. This increases productivity and helps to maximise their time on the road.
  • No paperwork: There’s no manual handling of paperwork and EWDs allow records to be shared or accessed easily (and instantly) and securely stored for as long as required.

 

The Hubfleet Electronic Work Diary

What separates Hubfleet from the other electronic work diaries, is that it integrates both NHVR and WA fatigue management rules. This means drivers using the Hubfleet app will remain compliant in any jurisdiction of Australia.  

In addition to Standard and Basic Fatigue Management rules, the Hubfleet EWD is also approved by the NHVR to implement custom work and rest rules of Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) accredited customers.  

It’s also device agnostic EWD, meaning the Hubfleet app is compatible with iOS and Android, and can be downloaded to almost any device. (Devices must be less than 6 years old and have a screen size of >4.5 inches.) Unlike some of the EWDS on the market, the Hubfleet EWD is not linked to the truck, so drivers can make the same work and rest entries they would in a paper diary. It also means that they can take their diary with them on their phone, so they don’t have to be in a truck to check their recent work history. The Hubfleet app allows drivers to operate across multiple business.  

If you’re a truckie or fleet manager fed up with tedious paper diaries, consider a digital alternative. Hubfleet’s user-friendly electronic work diary makes compliance easy and convenient, to minimise stress and maximise time on the road. 

Trial Hubfleet for free for 14 days to see if its right for you.  

 

April 2023 EWD App Update

Posted by Hubfleet

We heard you.

After launching the Hubfleet Electronic Work Diary almost one year ago, we’re excited to share our latest updates, including two highly requested features.

 

Simple report transfers.

This feature is designed for drivers using Hubfleet while working for companies still stuck on paper systems. This can be a pain for drivers when it comes to getting their electronic records to their employers.

So, we’ve created a Report Transfer feature. It’s simple and quick; drivers can do it in just a few clicks:

  1. Save employer as a contact (only required the first time).
  2. Click Report Transfer at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Choose a date range for the records.
  4. Select employer as the recipient.
  5. Hit send.

Hubfleet will automatically send an email to the employer with a PDF attachment of the driver’s records.

 

 

Dark mode.

We’ve also introduced a dark screen option. This dark mode significantly reduces the light emitted by screens while maintaining colour contrast for good readability. This is often a preferable feature for users, particularly in low-light environments, because it’s easier and more comfortable to read text and view images. It can also potentially reduce eye strain and dry eyes. Using dark mode can conserve battery life on devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, where dark pixels require less power to display than bright ones.

 

 

Improved place names.

We’ve added two features to improve the accuracy of place names.

When drivers input data at a work/rest change, Hubfleet uses reverse geocoding to automatically find the name of the driver’s location. This saves them from having to manually type the name into the diary and works well most of the time. Occasionally, due to poor GPS signal, the place name may be inaccurate. We’ve introduced a “Try Again” button to help correct this. When clicked, the GPS network is sampled several times over a few seconds to retrieve the most accurate location.

A related issue happens when a driver starts a rest and returns to work later from the same place. Occasionally, the geocoded place names are different even though the driver hasn’t moved. We’ve added an automatic alert when this happens, and drivers are prompted to match the place names with a few simple clicks.

 

Expanded safety management.

In line with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s 9-step Safety Management System Roadmap, we’ve extended our safety management package.

The Roadmap is designed to help heavy vehicle operators develop and implement effective safety management systems. It provides a step-by-step guide to identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing controls to minimise the risk of accidents and incidents.

With Hubfleet’s safety management package, drivers can now complete hazard and incident reports (and include photos) in the Hubfleet app. Fleet managers are alerted to the hazard/incident, which can then be managed and documented via the Hubfleet web portal.

We’ve also added a feature which allows fleet managers (or record keepers) to upload PDFs of policies and procedures in the web portal, which can be accessed by drivers in the app.

 

Looking ahead.

As we continuously strive to improve Hubfleet, we’re excited about what’s next. To build on our safety management package, we’re currently putting the finishing touches on a Loads module. This will include mass verification, customisable checklists (e.g., for load dimensions and restraints), as well as recording customer and supplier details for each load/trip.

 

To learn more about Hubfleet, visit our website or get in touch with our team.

Hubfleet approved for Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) rules

Posted by Hubfleet

Following a successful trial with Western Downs Civil last year, Hubfleet was formally approved by the NHVR for use under the AFM ruleset.

What is AFM?

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) regulates heavy vehicles in all states (except WA and the NT) and prescribes the permitted hours for heavy vehicle drivers. Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) is their most flexible option for driver work and rest hours.

Rather than using the prescribed Standard or Basic Fatigue Management Hours (bfm hours), AFM allows businesses the flexibility to set their own hours, provided the fatigue risks of those hours are offset by sleep, rest and other management practices in a compliant fatigue risk management system.

AFM can allow businesses greater flexibility to cover new routes, complete routes more efficiently than competitors, create work and rest rules which suit the business, develop simpler schedules, and reduce compliance stress for drivers.

Businesses must apply to the NHVR for AFM accreditation and in order to be approved, they must demonstrate that they understand the risks these hours can create and demonstrate that they can and will take steps to offset these risks.

Western Downs Civil trial

After integrating AFM capabilities in line with Western Downs Civil’s accreditation, Hubfleet was successfully trialled on the company’s fleet in Chinchilla, Queensland.

The key takeaways for Western Downs Civil (WDC) after the completion of the trial about Hubfleet were:

  • A ‘device agnostic’ app, meaning it can operate on iOS or Android devices without the need for a specific device mounted in vehicles, making it more cost-effective. Hubfleet is currently the only approved electronic work diary that is device agnostic.
  • It’s usable in remote areas. WDC found that drivers were still able to use the app without issue in remote areas with little to no service; the data generated is uploaded once back in an area with service.
  • Automatic report generation which saves time. Having to self-audit to fulfil AFM accreditation requirements usually takes WDC drivers about an hour each month; Hubfleet does this automatically and provides warnings and alerts for non-compliance.
  • Dashboard timer for rest periods. In driving mode, the app’s dashboard displays a timer for when drivers need to take their next break, eliminating miscalculations and guesswork.
  • Helpful training videos and support. Hubfleet has short, easy-to-follow training videos to help users. WDC also noted the Hubfleet team had provided responsive support throughout the duration of the trial.

Overall impressed by the outcome, WDC is now looking at implementing Hubfleet into 8 of its 23 trucks.

Hubfleet & AFM

Now approved by the NHVR, Hubfleet can implement custom work and rest rules of AFM accredited customers. Testing is carried out to ensure that all relevant fatigue breaches are operating properly and providing the appropriate alert warnings. The dashboard screen is also customised for the specific ruleset and requirements.

Streamline your drivers’ work and rest periods and eliminate paperwork with our easy-to-use app. Hubfleet keeps you compliant with driver fatigue management rules in every Australian jurisdiction, without the headache. Get in touch today to learn more.

Planned Upgrade to Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas for Driver Fatigue Management

Posted by Hubfleet

Investing in rest.

Last December, Australian state governments approved plans to invest in heavy vehicle rest areas to support the fatigue management of drivers.

The plans to “build and upgrade heavy vehicle rest areas to ensure drivers have the facilities they need to rest, recuperate and return safely home” are set to commence this year.

It forms part of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-25, which was cooperatively developed between Australian state governments and agreed upon by Infrastructure and Transport Ministers.

National focus.

Heavy vehicle safety is a serious concern for national road safety endeavours. It’s estimated that 17% of all road fatalities involve a heavy vehicle. Although fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles tend to crash less often than other vehicles, they’re more likely to result in death or serious injury due to their size.

Listed as a priority in the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30, heavy vehicle safety improvements aim to “support the safe movement of freight and passengers and reduce harm to all road users”.

When it comes to the safety of heavy vehicles, there is no greater risk factor than fatigue. Driver fatigue is a major safety hazard for the road transport industry. The main causes of fatigue are lack of (quality) sleep, driving when you would normally be sleeping, the duration of driving, and sleep disorders (e.g., sleep apnoea). Heavy vehicle drivers are routinely affected by many of these risks and the consequences can be fatal.

Fatigue management support.

As such a prevalent concern, the industry is always seeking new ways to improve fatigue management in heavy vehicle drivers.

It’s codified, exhaustively. Fatigue management is the subject of many heavy vehicle rules and regulations. The result is that these regulations are comprehensive, complex and differ depending on what state you’re in. This makes them quite complicated for fleet businesses and their drivers to follow correctly.

Hubfleet offers a simple way to abide by these regulations and helps to keep drivers from driving while impaired by fatigue. Rather than chance miscalculations about work and rest periods, drivers simply enter a few details into the app and it calculates when they are due to rest or able to commence work again.

If you’re looking for a simple fatigue management solution for your team, Hubfleet is your answer. Contact our team for more information.

Maximise time on the road with an Australia-wide fleet management app

Posted by Hubfleet

Use compliance to your advantage.

Hubfleet monitors your drivers’ work hours to ensure you’re always meeting compliance obligations, while allowing you to maximise the amount of time your trucks are on the road. Integrated with both NHVR and WA fatigue management rules, it’s currently the only available app which covers you Australia-wide. Hubfleet eliminates accidental non-compliance from drivers having to manually keep track of their work hours, saving you from compliance breaches and costly penalties.

 

One app, all the rules.

Fatigue management rules in Australia are still fragmented and can be challenging to keep on top of if your business operates cross-country. Hubfleet is currently the only fleet management app which integrates both the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and WA’s fatigue management rules. This means you’re covered wherever your drivers cross a border in Australia.

Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) applies to all states and territories in Australia, except WA and the NT. Under HVNL, the Heavy Vehicle (Fatigue Management) National Regulations cover the maximum work hours and minimum rest periods permissible, setting allowable parameters for the below categories:

  • Standard hours – solo drivers
  • Standard hours – two-up drivers
  • Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) hours – solo drivers
  • BFM hours – two-up drivers
  • Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) hours
  • Exemption hours

The regulations also cover the requirements of keeping a work diary, such as driver information, work/rest times, odometer reading, etc.

While HVNL does not apply to WA or the NT, it will if your driver crosses into the jurisdictions where it does apply. WA has its own fatigue management rules which fall within the scope of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (1996). The permissible work, non-work and break times are prescribed by the commercial vehicle operation standard (OSH regulation 3.132) and cover:

  • Solo driver hours
  • Relief driver hours

OSH regulation 3.134 outlines the record-keeping requirements for those hours.

While the NT similarly does not recognise HVNL, it does recognise WA’s fatigue management system for those who cross into their territory.

Hubfleet integrates these rules into one seamless app to fulfil compliance obligations in every jurisdiction.

 

Consequences of breaching compliance

Above all else, maintaining compliance helps to keep your drivers safe on the road. Fatigue management rules are strictly upheld for this important reason and to discourage behaviours which compromise driver and road safety. As such, the penalties for breaching compliance can be severe. You might incur infringement notices (fines) and/or demerit points, or be prosecuted for more serious breaches.

The NHVR has the right to issue infringement notices, court-imposed penalties and demerit points. The NHVR Investigations team can undertake investigations into serious contraventions of the HVNL. They can also obtain Commercial Benefits orders against companies who profit from breaches of the HVNL. Any such profit can be recovered through this order in an amount up to three times greater than the profit received from the breach.

In WA, you can be penalised by WorkSafe for failing to comply with fatigue management regulations. WorkSafe inspectors can investigate businesses to assess their compliance with OHS regulations. Audits are conducted to determine whether drivers had the rest breaks and non-work time legally required and that records were maintained to the standard prescribed by the regulations. Breaches can be prosecuted in court and convictions can carry heavy financial penalties.

 

A single, simple solution.

Hubfleet provides clarity and simplification in handling compliance. Drivers simply log their hours on an easy-to-use app which monitors it in real-time against NHVR and WA compliance requirements.

Hubfleet is approved by the NHVR for use as an electronic work diary and heavy vehicle logbook. (Electronic work diaries must be approved by the NHVR.) It’s quicker and easier to fill in than standard paper diaries and records time to the nearest minute (rather than the nearest 15 minutes). Hubfleet does all the math to calculate when drivers are due for a break or able to resume work. By automatically checking the driver’s work and rest periods against the relevant ruleset, the app will then alert users when there’s a potential breach approaching. This is great for drivers, who aren’t burdened with paperwork, and great for managers, as it minimises the risk of accidental non-compliance and maximises the amount of legal driving hours.

Optimise your fleet business with a smart, simple compliance solution. Let Hubfleet take care of compliance, so you can focus on running your business.

Contact us for more information or click here to get started.