Under the Queensland Chief Health Officer’s Directive, a new Qld Freight Movement Protocol will come into effect from 3pm today (Wednesday 23 September). The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) has provided information on the updates for freight and logistics workers operating within the state.
The Qld Freight Protocol sets out directives for freight and logistics workers including heavy vehicle drivers, logistics support workers and other transport sector essential workers.
If freight and logistics workers are entering Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot, they should be tested within seven days prior to entering Queensland. It is also recommended that they maintain a rolling seven-day testing cycle while continuing to travel into and out of hotspots.
Those entering Queensland must have a valid Qld Border Declaration Pass (Freight & Logistics) and an accessible copy of their employers’ or the operator’s COVID Safe Workplan, where one is required and available. The Qld Border Declaration Pass can be shown when attending a testing location, entitling the pass holder to an asymptomatic test so they can be prioritised for testing.
Any freight and logistics operators who develop symptoms consistent with COVID 19 while in Queensland should stop working as soon as it is safe to do so, then seek medical attention to be tested for COVID-19 and isolate. They should not continue the journey until a negative COVID-19 test result is received.
Any freight and logistics operators who test positive will be contacted directly and advised of next steps.
All drivers undertaking a symptomatic test should still adhere to public health advice and self isolate until a negative test result is received and they are symptom-free.
While on duty, both Queensland resident and non-resident freight and logistics operators should have no or minimal close contact with the Queensland community, including at truck rest stops, roadhouses, manned border crossings, depots. They should only exit their vehicle to access rest stop facilities, for refuelling, and for activities directly related to the delivery or loading of freight or to meet required regulation activities such as workplace health and safety or fatigue management.
Non-Queensland resident freight and logistics workers who are on duty should only remain in Queensland for the time necessary to complete their essential activity.
To view full details of the new Qld Freight Protocol, please click here.