The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) new Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) scheme will replace the current NHVAS framework for new accreditation applications. The new framework places greater emphasis on how operators identify, manage and review safety risks across their business.

For transport and logistics businesses, this is more than a regulatory change. It reflects a broader industry shift, with operators increasingly expected to demonstrate not only compliance, but how risks are identified, managed and reviewed.

What is changing?

The new HVA framework adopts a stronger whole-of-business approach to safety management.

Rather than focusing solely on individual compliance modules, operators will be expected to demonstrate effective systems and processes across areas such as:

• Driver management and competency
• Fatigue management
• Vehicle maintenance
• Mass and loading controls
• Incident reporting and investigation
• Continuous safety improvement

While the accreditation changes are focused on safety and compliance, they also reinforce the importance of broader risk management.

Strong documentation, maintenance records, fatigue controls and driver management processes provide clear evidence that risks are being effectively managed across the business.

Why this matters beyond compliance

The transport industry continues to face a range of operational pressures, including rising costs, driver shortages, repair delays and increasing customer expectations.

Against this backdrop, strong safety systems are becoming increasingly important. They help businesses identify and manage risks before they lead to incidents, downtime or service disruption, while supporting compliance obligations and operational resilience.

Fatigue and Chain of Responsibility remain key focus areas

Fatigue and Chain of Responsibility remain central to the NHVR’s broader safety expectations.

The new framework reinforces the need for operators to demonstrate that fatigue risks are actively managed and that safety responsibilities are embedded across the business, from scheduling and dispatch through to driver management and supervision.

A good time to review your systems

With the accreditation changes approaching, now is an ideal time to review existing systems and processes against the new framework. Addressing gaps early can support a smoother transition and help reduce future compliance, operational and claims-related risks.

Looking ahead

These upcoming changes reinforce an important reality for the transport sector – risk management is no longer just about meeting compliance requirements. It is about demonstrating a proactive commitment to safety, governance and operational resilience.

Operators that use this transition to strengthen their safety and governance frameworks will be better positioned to manage risk and navigate future challenges. Beyond the compliance benefits, a proactive approach can enhance insurer confidence, support stronger insurance outcomes and improve a business’s overall risk profile over time.

What is the impact on insurance?

Transport operators who can clearly demonstrate strong risk management controls will be rewarded by support from insurers.  Ultimately, over time, good risk management leads to less accidents and fewer worker injuries.  Claims costs are the number one driver of premiums for motor and workers’ compensation insurance.  The financial benefits of proactively adopting the new frameworks are clear.

At PNO, we work closely with transport and logistics operators to ensure their insurance and risk management strategies remain aligned with an evolving operating environment. To find out more, contact our transport insurance specialist, James Woods at jwoods@pno.com.au or call (03) 9536 7356.

About the expert – James Woods.