Alternative Compliance Hours (HVNL Reforms)

Alternative Compliance is HVNL's replacement for AFM. The NHVR is expected to offer 8 pre-defined rule sets that cover around 90% of current industry AFM usage — most operators will simply select a rule set from this list. Operators with unique requirements can also apply for a bespoke rule set with custom schedules within outer safety limits (max 15.5hr work, min 7hr rest). Bespoke applications must be scored against the RCSM (Risk Classification System Matrix), and split rest is restricted to emergency use only.

Use Baseline if you can operate within standard limits (12hr work, 7hr rest, standard work week). Consider Alternative Compliance if you need flexibility for longer work days, specialised industries, variable workloads, or operations where standard limits create impractical constraints. Most operators moving to Alternative Compliance will find that one of the 8 pre-defined NHVR rule sets covers their needs, making the transition straightforward.

The NHVR is expected to offer 8 pre-defined rule sets that cover around 90% of current industry AFM usage. These rule sets are designed around common industry work/rest patterns (e.g. long-haul, line-haul, mining rotations). One of the pre-defined rule sets is expected to be very similar to — if not the same as — the current BFM, making it easy for BFM operators to transition. Operators can select the rule set that best matches their operations, which simplifies the application process and may result in faster approval compared to a bespoke application. Overall, HVNL offers significantly more flexibility than the current BFM/AFM system.

Timelines vary depending on whether you choose a pre-defined or bespoke rule set. Selecting a pre-defined rule set is expected to have a faster approval process since the rule sets are already assessed by NHVR. For bespoke applications, allow 4-8 weeks for NHVR approval plus 4-6 weeks for application development (risk assessment, schedule design, control documentation). In either case, allow time for system configuration and driver training before go-live.

No. The absolute outer limits — maximum 15.5 hours work and minimum 6 hours continuous rest block (8 hours total) in a 24-hour period — are hard ceilings that cannot be exceeded under any circumstances. No rule set, pre-defined or bespoke, can allow a driver to work beyond these limits. Each individual rule set defines its own specific limits within these outer limits.

Hubfleet monitors driver hours in real time against their approved rule set limits. As limits approach, the system alerts both the driver and supervisor. If a rule set limit is breached (e.g., a driver on a 14-hour rule set works 14.5 hours due to unexpected delays), an incident is automatically created. The incident captures the circumstances, contributing factors, and corrective actions. Pattern analysis identifies recurring causes so operators can address systemic issues. At no point can the absolute outer limits be exceeded.

Yes, but only for solo drivers in emergency or unforeseeable circumstances. Two-up drivers are not eligible for split rest. You cannot pre-schedule split rests or use them for routine operations. In Hubfleet, drivers tap Request Extended Fatigue Hours and select either extended work hours or reduced rest (split rest). The driver completes an incident report form, and compliance managers are notified in real time to review and approve or deny the request before the driver can proceed. At least one rest block must be 6 hours continuous, with a total of at least 8 hours rest. Hubfleet tracks all requests and flags excessive patterns for compliance manager review.

The RCSM (Risk Classification System Matrix) is an assessment tool defined in the Ministerial Standard for Alternative Compliance Hours. When applying for Alternative Compliance, you score your proposed work schedules against the RCSM's 7 principles across 3 dimensions (work-related rest breaks, recovery breaks, and reset breaks). The NHVR uses these scores — alongside your SMS evidence — to decide whether to approve your schedules. Hubfleet doesn't perform the RCSM scoring, but once your schedules are approved, Hubfleet enforces those limits in real time and generates the ongoing compliance evidence NHVR expects.

Alternative Compliance is integrated into your SMS as part of fatigue risk management (Outcome Area 2: Risk Management). Your SMS must document your Alternative Compliance schedules, breach management, split rest controls, and monitoring processes. Hubfleet automatically generates SMS evidence for Alternative Compliance as part of your overall SMS documentation.