NHVR discloses results of the most extensive health assessment conducted on Australia's heavy vehicle sector

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has revealed results from Australia's first national heavy vehicle health check, known as the 2024 National Roadworthiness Survey (NRS). Conducted over a 12-week period throughout all Australian states and territories, this survey provides essential insights into the heavy vehicle sector in the country.

What Did the 2024 NRS Involve?

The 2024 NRS involved a nationwide inspection of 9,082 vehicles and combinations, representing the most thorough health assessment ever carried out on Australia's heavy vehicle industry.

According to Paul Salvati, Chief Operating Officer of NHVR, this implies that NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) examined approximately 103 heavy vehicles daily throughout the survey period.

“The 2024 NRS was a monumental undertaking, and the important effort of our officers conducting these inspections has provided us with the most comprehensive data ever gathered on the mechanical health of heavy vehicles across the nation,” Mr Salvati said.

Why This National Roadworthiness Survey Matters for Transport Operators

Findings from this national roadworthiness survey give transport businesses a clearer picture of where mechanical failures commonly occur, helping fleet management teams prioritise maintenance schedules and reduce breakdown risks on Australian roads.

For operators managing large fleets, this data supports better Chain of Responsibility (CoR) management practices, since roadworthiness directly ties into compliance obligations under national transport law.

Transport industry stakeholders can use these findings to strengthen internal maintenance management systems, ensuring vehicles meet required standards before they hit the road. Robust management of inspection schedules reduces the likelihood of non-compliance penalties and supports safer outcomes for drivers, other road users, and the broader transport industry.

Key Takeaways for Fleet Management Teams

• Prioritise regular roadworthiness checks as part of ongoing fleet management practices.
• Integrate compliance management into daily transport operations, not just annual reviews.
• Use survey findings to benchmark internal vehicle standards against national data.
• Strengthen risk management by addressing common defects identified in the inspection.

Operators can also review templates such as the Road Vehicle Risk Assessment Form to support consistent risk management across their fleet, alongside procedures like the Tyre Changing Heavy Vehicles SWMS for maintenance tasks that directly affect roadworthiness outcomes.

Third Edition of a Growing Industry Benchmark

The 2024 NRS represents the third edition of the survey, following the initial survey conducted in 2016 and the subsequent one in 2021. Each round has expanded understanding of compliance trends across the heavy vehicle industry, giving transport businesses a longer-term view of how management practices influence overall fleet health.

NHVR continues to lead Australia's heavy vehicle safety agenda through initiatives like this survey, alongside cross-border enforcement efforts such as those detailed in NHVR's cross-border initiative addressing heavy vehicle safety issues on the Eyre Highway. Related regulatory changes are also outlined in coverage of NHVR taking over heavy vehicle services in NSW.

Transport operators wanting further context on regulatory compliance trends may also find value in NHVR's fatigue results from the Easter safety blitz, which complements roadworthiness data with insights into driver-related risk factors.

For industry professionals seeking practical tools to strengthen management systems, SafetyDocs offers a range of risk assessment forms, policies and procedures designed to support compliance across transport and logistics operations. Those attending industry events can also connect with safety specialists at the Workplace Health and Safety Show.

Find out more here.