The State Government has announced a change in heavy vehicle permitting that is expected to save industry more than $1 million in fees and thousands of hours in paperwork.

Permit durations for Class 1 Oversize Overmass (OSOM) load-carrying vehicles will be extended to 12 months, following a review of OSOM vehicles last year.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government had worked closely with industry on the initiative, and to create national consistency for the heavy vehicle industry.

Mr Bailey said the reforms coincided with the Heavy Vehicle Safety Action Plan adopted earlier this year and other initiatives, including better case manager communication, automatic inclusion of return trips, and multiple vehicles on permits without the need for a new application.

The Australian Logistics Council applauded the move, saying it would improve the efficiency of freight movement, reduce red tape and help keep costs under control.

“ALC advocated for a national review of the rules governing OSOM vehicle movements a year ago, because it was clear that delays in approvals and the constant need to obtain new permits for every vehicle movement was hampering supply chain efficiency, and having a negative impact on our economy,” ALC chief executive officer Kirk Coningham said.

With the state’s freight task expected to increase by more than 20 per cent in the next decade, it was imperative that the Queensland Government worked closely with industry participants to enhance the efficiency of the freight network, Mr Coningham said.

Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) chief executive officer Gary Mahon said the QTA had worked closely with Minister Bailey and the department to make the permit changes to reduce the administrative burden on industry. 

For more information on these changes, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/Heavy-vehicle