In any delivery business, efficiency and reliability are paramount. Peter from POK Holdings, a leading concrete delivery business in Sydney, knows this better than most. Read on to unpack his experience with Hubfleet’s Electronic Work Diary (EWD) and gain insights into how it has transformed his operations.
Past Struggles
Before adopting Hubfleet, Peter found himself grappling with the challenges of various other apps. “I tried two or three apps previously,” he shared, “but they were slow and required constant refreshing.”
Aside from being frustrating, these interruptions can be detrimental; especially when you’re managing a fleet as dynamic as POK’s. They own five trucks and subcontract an additional 10, which means, on any given day, there can be 12 to 15 of their trucks navigating Sydney’s busy roads.
New Beginnings
After hearing some buzz about Hubfleet, Peter decided to give it a go. He quickly fell in love with our EWD, and one of the standout features for him was the simplicity and intuitiveness of the user interface. “It’s the best on the market and the easiest to use,” Peter stated — a sentiment that speaks volumes considering his prior experiences with other apps.
Moreover, Peter commented on the support he’s received from Hubfleet. “James has been incredibly helpful. He genuinely listens whenever we have questions about the app or its features.”
POK Drivers Give the Tick of Approval
It’s not just Peter who’s been singing Hubfleet’s praises. The app has received a thumbs-up across the board from POK’s diverse team of drivers. Given the multicultural composition of the team — including those for whom English is a second language and older generation drivers — the app’s ease of use becomes all the more admirable. As Peter noted, “All our drivers, no matter their background or age, have found it really easy to use and navigate.”
Favourites Features
On top of the easy-to-use interface, a feature that caught Peter’s attention is the pre-filled action for individual fleet and license numbers. It not only saves precious time but also ensures accuracy. “It’s quick, easy to use, and the pre-filled action is straightforward,” he remarked.
Want to Try Hubfleet’s EWD like POK Holdings?
In an industry where every minute counts, having a reliable tool like Hubfleet can make all the difference. POK Holdings’ experience is a testament to the application’s capability, efficiency, and user-friendliness. Put us to the test like POK, and see how our innovative EWD can make your operations smoother.
Australia’s trucking industry is no walk in the park. Every year, we see way too many accidents and road deaths. Between 2015 and 2019 alone, there were a shocking 2,420 truck crashes reported in a study by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
So, to tackle these issues and make businesses (and their drivers) accountable, the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) laws were rolled out in 2014. The goal? Make sure it’s not just the truck drivers taking the fall for safety blunders. But, despite great intentions, the CoR has become a bit of a headache.
The CoR is a great idea, But…
It’s confusing!
A big challenge with the CoR is that it’s difficult to understand and very convoluted. Many people in the supply chain don’t understand their CoR duties because they’re all wrapped up in legal jargon. You’d be hard-pressed to find even an experienced worker who could list all their CoR responsibilities.
This means more reacting than acting when it comes to safety — companies often start making big safety changes after an accident has already happened. That leaves room for preventable accidents and messes up the supply chain’s efficiency.
Due diligence becomes a low priority.
Business owners are busy — that’s not new information. Sometimes, this means they don’t fully grasp how crucial due diligence is for CoR compliance, or just hand off the responsibility to others. They figure that signing contracts means they’re off the hook, ignoring the need for constant monitoring and risk checks.
How to get CoR right.
1. keep an eye on the supply chain.
Don’t rely only on contracts and paperwork for CoR. Actively check out your supply chain, spot potential risks, and fix them. That means regular audits, watching how drivers behave, and making sure everyone knows their part.
2. Make safety part of your DNA.
Safety isn’t just about rules on paper. It should be in your company’s genes. Encourage everyone, from management to the everyday driver, to take safety seriously. Train your crew and create a culture where staff feel confident to speak up about safety concerns.
3. Pick safety-focused transport partners.
When you’re choosing a transport provider, don’t just chase the lowest price. Look for the ones who put safety front and centre. Check their track record, see if they’ve got solid safety measures, and if they’re keeping their drivers happy and safe. You should also ensure they keep their trucks in good condition and that their drivers receive quality training.
Hubfleet can help you meet your CoR obligation at no cost!
In an industry where safety isn’t a luxury but a necessity, there’s no room for taking chances.
Hubfleet simplifies the implementation of a safety management system by facilitating open communication and data sharing with your transport provider. Safety is a job shared by all, but luckily for CoR partners, we don’t charge. Our service is completely free for you! Learn more here.
In the fast-paced world of logistics and transportation, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. Every minute counts, and the ability to streamline operations can mean the difference between success and stagnation. WestLink Petroleum — a leader in petroleum transportation — found their solution in Hubfleet. Our comprehensive fleet management platform revolutionised their operations.
In this case study, we’ll look at WestLink Petroleum’s experience with Hubfleet, focusing on our Electronic Work Diary (EWD), and how it has transformed their business.
Discovering Hubfleet
WestLink Petroleum’s Hubfleet journey began with a recommendation from another business in the industry. Drawn by the potential benefits, they decided to make the switch from their labor-intensive manual logbook system to Hubfleet’s EWD.
Seven Ways Hubfleet Supports WestLink Petroleum
1. Eliminating the Hassles of Manual Logging
Before Hubfleet, WestLink Petroleum relied on manual logbooks — a process that required regular auditing and was prone to human errors. The introduction of our EWD eliminated the need for manual record-keeping and audits. This change alone saved valuable time and resources, allowing the team to focus on other operations.
2. Reducing Wait Times Dramatically
One of the most striking improvements since implementing Hubfleet’s EWD has been the significant reduction in wait times for drivers intercepted on the road. Previously, these delays could stretch anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour. Now, thanks to Hubfleet’s minute-to-minute recording and accurate data tracking, wait times have been slashed to just 15 minutes — sometimes even as low as 5 minutes! This has not only improved the drivers’ experience but also increased overall productivity.
3. Ease of Use & Reduced Fines
Once WestLink Petroleum’s staff received training on Hubfleet’s EWD, they found it remarkably easy to use. The system’s user-friendly interface and real-time guidance have minimised incorrect diary entries. This, in turn, has saved the drivers from fines due to logbook errors, ensuring they can focus on their primary responsibilities without unnecessary distractions.
4. Boosting Productivity Tenfold
The EWD feature has reduced delays and enhanced productivity within the company. Drivers can now plan their day more efficiently, knowing that they have a reliable tool to help them navigate their routes while adhering to regulations. This newfound confidence and efficiency have not only increased driver satisfaction but also improved the company’s bottom line.
5. Accurate Minute-to-Minute Recording
As Tiarnie from WestLink Petroleum notes, one of the standout features of Hubfleet’s EWD is its minute-to-minute recording, which is incredibly accurate. This level of precision ensures that every aspect of a driver’s day is accounted for, providing peace of mind and compliance with industry regulations.
6. Efficient Auditing and Data Visualisation
From an auditing perspective, Hubfleet’s dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of a driver’s day, making it easy to identify any potential breaches. Even in situations where drivers go out of signal range, the app continues to function, ensuring data integrity. The visualisations within the platform, including the “darken screen” option, further enhance the user experience and data analysis capabilities.
7. Real-Time Monitoring
WestLink have established a control room featuring Hublink over two screens. This allows them to monitor their operation in real-time, with extremely accurate data that can be seen at a snapshot level or in incredible detail. With 30 drives in their fleet, being able to visualise, read, and understand their operations in this way has been a game-changer.
A Resounding Endorsement: “Needed by All”
In three simple words, WestLink Petroleum sums up their experience with Hubfleet: “Needed by all.”
The platform’s ability to streamline operations, reduce wait times, and enhance compliance has made it an indispensable tool for their business. It’s not just a solution; it’s a game-changer that has allowed WestLink Petroleum to stay competitive.
Hubfleet’s Electronic Work Diary has proven to be a pivotal tool for WestLink Petroleum, transforming their fleet management processes and delivering substantial benefits. As the transportation and logistics industry continues to evolve, innovative solutions like Hubfleet will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of fleet management.
Inspired? Experience Hubfleet for yourself.
If you’re in the transportation industry, take a cue from WestLink Petroleum’s success story and consider Hubfleet. We’ll help you unlock new levels of efficiency and accuracy in your operations. With a user-friendly interface, real-time tracking, and comprehensive features, Hubfleet can benefit businesses of all sizes.
Counting time accurately is crucial for managing driver fatigue and maintaining compliance with Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). The HVNL prescribes fatigue management requirements for heavy vehicle drivers and operators, including the number of hours drivers can legally work in a given period of time. Non-compliance with these requirements can lead to serious consequences and financial penalties. To ensure compliance with fatigue management laws, it’s essential to understand the correct way to count time. In this article, we’ll aim to clarify how to do this and show how Hubfleet makes this easy for drivers.
How is time counted?
HVNL requires that:
For periods of time less than 24 hours, time is counted forward from the end of a rest break.
For periods of time greater than 24 hours, time is counted forward from the end of a relevant major rest break (see below).
What is a relevant major rest break?
When applied to a 24-hour period, a relevant major rest break is the longest uninterrupted rest break required for your specified ruleset. You start counting the 24-hour period from the end of this rest break. The required duration of the rest break depends on your ruleset (see below):
Standard Hours solo: 7+ continuous hours.
Standard Hours two-up: 5+ continuous hours.
Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) solo: 7+ continuous hours (or 6 hours if a split rest break has been taken).
Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) two-up: this option does not require a major rest break in a 24 hour period, so 24-hour periods can be counted forward from the end of any rest break.
Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM): the relevant major rest break per the AFM certificate.
What is a 24-hour period?
A 24-hour period is the period of 24 hours following the end of a relevant major rest break. It’s important to note that taking another relevant major rest break within the initial 24-hour period will create an additional 24-hour period, it does not restart or reset the initial 24-hour period. You must comply with the work and rest requirements (set by your specified ruleset) of both 24-hour periods. Consider the scenario below:
A driver starts work at 8am and works for 10 hours in an 11-hour period, finishing at 7pm. They have a 7-hour rest and start work again at 3am the next day. Mistakenly thinking their 24-hour period has reset, they forget to add the hours between 3am and 8am to their previous day’s total. Therefore, they have worked 15 hours since the initial 24-hour period which started at 8am the previous day. This would be considered a critical breach and could potentially result in a fine of over $10k and demerit points.
To make things more complicated, drivers must also keep track of their work and rest requirements for numerous other periods, such as 7-day, 14-day and 28-day, at the same time. It’s easy to see how honest mistakes get made!
Hubfleet to the rescue
The Hubfleet EWD makes it easy for drivers to avoid these mistakes. A dashboard “card” displays each period of 24-hours or longer in the driver’s ruleset. For example, below is a 24-hour card for a driver working under the BFM Solo ruleset.
The information on this card is extremely helpful to drivers in staying compliant with their work and rest requirements. In the above example, the driver has a 24-hour period that started at 19:36 on June 5th and ends 24 hours later. In this period, you can see the driver has worked 13 hours and 25 minutes of an allowable 14 hours, leaving 35 minutes of work available. You can also see that there is 1 hour and 1 minute remaining until the period ends. If the driver is currently resting, the Work Remaining will stay constant at 35 minutes, but the Period Remaining will continue to elapse until the clock reaches 19:36 on June 6th (the end of the period).
The driver can also track their rest requirements. Under BFM Solo rules, a driver must have a 7+ hour continuous rest break in a 24-hour period. In the above example, the card shows the maximum continuous rest the driver has taken during this 24-hour period, which is 7 hours and 3 minutes. Therefore, they have satisfied their rest requirement
. If they have not completed a 7-hour continuous rest break, the time they must start one will be shown here
When can I start my next shift?
The above card also indicates when drivers can start their next shift. We can see that the driver has completed their 7-hour continuous rest break. If they haven’t, they must make sure to do that. Next, we can see the driver has 35 minutes of work left, yet there is 1 hour and 1 minute until the end of the 24-hour period. If the driver recommenced work at this point in time, the Hubfleet app would alert them that they are required to rest after 35 minutes (to not exceed 14 hours). However, if the driver were to rest for a further 26 minutes instead, then there would be 34 minutes left in the Period Remaining. At this point, it would be impossible to exceed the 14 hours of work allowed in the current 24-hour period, so they could start their next shift.
To keep it simple, make sure you’ve completed your 7-hour rest break
and that the Period Remaining
is less than the Work Remaining
or you will probably have to take an extra break at some point during your next shift.
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.
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.
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.
Heavy vehicle operators can demonstrate their commitment to safety by voluntarily pursuing Maintenance Management accreditation.
The National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) Maintenance Management Accreditation Guide is a document designed to assist heavy vehicle operators in managing their maintenance and safety obligations. The Guide is an essential tool for achieving NHVAS Maintenance Management accreditation, which recognises operators who meet certain standards for managing their vehicle maintenance.
To achieve accreditation, operators must meet a range of criteria relating to the management of their maintenance activities, including vehicle inspections, maintenance planning and record-keeping.
Accreditation requirements
The Accreditation Guide provides detailed information on how to meet these requirements. It outlines the steps operators need to take to develop and implement a maintenance management system that meets NHVAS standards, including:
Establishing a maintenance management policy that outlines the operator’s commitment to ensuring the safety of their vehicles and complying with all relevant regulations.
Developing a maintenance schedule that identifies the maintenance activities that need to be carried out on each vehicle in the fleet, as well as the frequency with which these activities should be completed.
Implementing a vehicle inspection program that includes pre-trip inspections, routine maintenance inspections and more detailed inspections at regular intervals.
Developing and implementing a system for recording all maintenance activities, including the work that was carried out, the date it was completed and the results of any inspections.
Providing training to staff on the importance of vehicle maintenance and safety, as well as how to carry out maintenance tasks safely and effectively.
By following the Accreditation Guide, operators can ensure they are meeting the requirements for accreditation and managing their maintenance and safety obligations effectively.
Why get accredited?
Achieving NHVAS Maintenance Management accreditation is a clear demonstration of an operator’s commitment to safety and compliance, and can provide a competitive advantage in the heavy vehicle industry.
Operators who follow the NHVAS Maintenance Management Accreditation Guide can also benefit from improved safety outcomes, reduced breakdowns and repairs, and lower operating costs.
By implementing an effective maintenance management system, operators can reduce the risk of accidents and breakdowns, as well as extend the life of their vehicles.
Additionally, accredited operators are exempt from having their vehicles inspected annually for the purpose of registration.
The NHVAS Maintenance Management Accreditation Guide is an essential tool for heavy vehicle operators who are committed to managing their maintenance and safety obligations effectively. By following the guide, operators can achieve accreditation, improve safety outcomes and reduce their operating costs.
To learn more about Hubfleet, visit our website or get in touch with our team.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is responsible for regulating and enforcing the mass, dimension and loading requirements of heavy vehicles on Australian roads. These requirements are to ensure the safety of all road users and to protect infrastructure, such as bridges and roads.
To achieve this, the NHVR has established a set of national standards for these requirements, including maximum vehicle dimensions, maximum gross vehicle mass (GVM), maximum axle load limits and weight distribution requirements.
Mass limits
The mass limits for heavy vehicles are based on the type of vehicle and the number of axles it has. The NHVR enforces these limits to ensure that heavy vehicles do not exceed the maximum allowed weight for the road they’re travelling on.
Overloading a vehicle can have serious safety implications, such as increased stopping distances, reduced steering control and increased wear and tear on the vehicle’s components.
Maximum dimensions
In addition to mass limits, the NHVR also enforces dimension limits for heavy vehicles. These include maximums for vehicle length, width and height. The NHVR’s aim in enforcing these limits is to prevent oversized vehicles from damaging infrastructure, such as bridges, tunnels and overhead structures.
Loading requirements
Loading requirements are another important area of regulation for the NHVR. The regulator requires that all heavy vehicles be loaded in a safe and secure manner to prevent shifting loads that can cause the vehicle to become unstable or tip over. The NHVR provides guidance to operators on how to safely secure loads, including the use of appropriate restraints, load distribution and packaging.
To ensure compliance with these regulations, the NHVR conducts roadside checks on heavy vehicles to ensure they are within the required mass, dimension and loading limits. These checks involve inspecting the vehicle’s weight, dimensions and load restraint systems, as well as checking that the vehicle’s paperwork is in order.
The NHVR’s mass, dimension and loading requirements are an essential part of maintaining the safety of heavy vehicles on Australian roads. Operators must take these requirements seriously and ensure that their vehicles are fully compliant with the regulations. By doing so, they will avoid penalties for non-compliance, help to uphold the safety of all road users and protect vital infrastructure from damage caused by overloaded or oversized vehicles.
To learn more about Hubfleet, visit our website or get in touch with our team.
Earlier this year, a husband and wife of Cobar, NSW, sadly had to close their small transport business, JFM Haulage, after receiving four logbook infringements in SA.
Each infringement carries a maximum penalty of $11,450. However, as a first-time offence and with an early guilty plea, the total penalty imposed by the Port Augusta Magistrates Court was $7,024.
Already feeling the weight of rising fuel costs, registration and insurance fees, and truck repayments in an industry struggling to survive amidst COVID-19 restrictions and border closures, the couple could no longer continue to operate. They’re now working in other industries to pay the penalty off in instalments and get back on their feet.
Easy, affordable compliance.
Our goal with Hubfleet is to help businesses, like JFM Haulage, manage logbook compliance obligations easily and avoid the harsh financial penalties of non-compliance.
Hubfleet is approved by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) as an electronic work diary. It eliminates paperwork and is quicker and easier to complete. Drivers simply enter information on the app and Hubfleet does the math to notify them when they’re due for a break or able to resume work. The app alerts users when there’s a potential compliance breach approaching. It covers you anywhere in Australia because we’ve integrated both NHVR and WA fatigue management rules.
We’re affordable, too. Hubfleet is the only approved electronic work diary which is device agnostic, meaning it’s compatible with iOS and android and able to be used on any device. This makes us a cost-effective solution since all you need is a phone to download the app onto to get started. You pay a scaled subscription fee which is based on the number of drivers you have. This means your fees only grow when your business does, too.
With Hubfleet, non-compliance is completely avoidable. Don’t risk costly penalties with tedious and error-prone record keeping. Digitise your operation to save time, avoid penalties and spare headaches. For more information on the Hubfleet compliance solution, visit our FAQ page or contact our team.
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.
