As part of the vital Australia wide supply chain, transport industry in Australia has stepped up to meet increased demand during the Covid 19 shutdown.
Covid 19 – what it’s means for the industry
Ensuring Australian’s across the country have access to fresh food and essentials is a priority. In response to the supply and distribution challenges facing Western Australia, Western Roads Federation, Northern Territory Road Transport Association and the Freight and Logistics Council of WA (FLCWA) have joined forces to form the WA Supply Chain Covid Response Group.
They have put together a Framework Plan for COVID-19 and a suite of resources to guide and support the industry on matter such as:
- Interstate Boarder Restrictions
- Freight and Logistics Movement Control
- Roadhouse maps for WA and NT
- Biosecurity Zone FAQ
- Risk management plans
- Checklists for Covid 19
- Protocols for entry into designated biosecurity areas
State or Territory specific advice can be found advice can be found
Keeping the wheels turning
Drivers and the logistic supply chain form part of the life blood of the nation. Shortages driven by panic buying saw many essentials disappear from the shelves of supermarkets faster than they could be restocked.
National Cabinet agreed to allow service centres and truck stops to remain open for heavy vehicle drivers. In addition, delivery restriction curfews have been lifted to assist truck drivers to make deliveries.
In addition to observing good hand hygiene, drivers are reminded to maintain appropriate social distancing and to get tested and self isolate if they develop any flu like symptoms. Operators in truck cabs must maintain personal hygiene and physical distancing where possible. Self-isolation for heavy vehicle drivers including during fatigue rest breaks interstate should be practiced.
Moving forward
As States and Territories start to ease restrictions, rules are changing by the day. Drivers and Road Transport Companies are encouraged to check with State authorities to ensure compliance with regulations as they change and adapt. Operators are encouraged to check jurisdictional travel requirements before travelling interstate.
Air and sea freight
Ports and airports have remained open for freight imports and exports. Australian Border Force provides advice which supports vessels and aircraft arriving in Australian ports, subject to meeting specified criteria.
Container, break-bulk and bulk trades are all continuing. Ships arriving at Australian ports must provide pre-arrival health and quarantine information that is checked by Australian authorities. Ships from overseas that have received clearance by the authorities can berth in the port. To protect land side workers, ships or crew which have been at sea for fewer than 14 days must follow biosecurity directions. All crew must remain on-board while the vessel is berthed in Australia.
Rentco operations
For Rentco customers it’s business as usual but with a few extra precautions in place to ensure our staff and customers stay safe. Our cleaners are supplying extra cleaning services and we have hand sanitiser and social distancing markers in our Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Townsville depots.