Almost two years ago it was reported that Auswide Transport Solutions (ATS) was charged by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) with alleged offences under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
These charges were always denied and defended, and just four days after a prohibition notice had been issued, it was subsequently withdrawn.
ATS CEO Tom Pausic said the company has worked cooperatively with the regulator over that period while the investigation continued and was always confident in the NHVR’s review process and final decision-making.
There are now no matters pending at all against the company, and Pausic said ATS has been active in finding opportunities to work with the NHVR to ensure safety and efficiency.
“ATS recognises and supports the excellent body of work the NHVR undertakes in the heavy vehicle transport industry,” Pausic said in a written statement.
“We are confident with the NHVR’s cooperative approach and confident in our business, our people, compliance with the HVNL and the CoR supported by our operational safety management systems. It’s been a total team effort.”
Pausic added that safety is the number one core value at ATS with high standards expected from all of its drivers.
“Our ‘Safety First’ culture determines how we carry out our day-to-day business functions and we always rely on our drivers to play their role by presenting fit for duty and display professional driving behaviour,” he said.
Pausic said the company is an NHVAS BFM and Maintenance Managed Accredited Transport Company, and holds Western Australian Heavy Vehicle Accreditation.
“These accreditations require us to ensure our drivers are fit to drive.”
Pausic said the Safety-First initiative at ATS also includes regular toolbox talks and driver training areas where drivers can access information not only related to transport safety, but also driver health issues.
National safety and compliance manager Jeff Wright said the company is always looking for opportunities to improve systems, processes and efficiencies to give assurance to its customers.
“We take our safety obligations seriously: the latest safety technology and live monitoring is an area we have invested heavily in,” said Wright.
“ATS has also developed an industry ‘gold standard’ in ECM compliance giving added CoR assurance to its customers.”
With business confidence at ATS now at its highest levels since launching in 2007, the large national carrier is investing heavily in the transport industry.
The fleet was recently bolstered by 65 new Kenworth prime movers that consists of K200, T909 and SAR Legends, along with 30 brand new PBS high-capacity trailers to service its east – west corridor.
“Our decision to invest in Kenworth prime movers was taken after careful consideration of quality and reliability while providing drivers with a safe and comfortable environment,” said operations general manager Gabby Singh.
“Australian-made and supplied is a key element to our procurements and Kenworth’s relationship with us has been first class.”
Pausic added that central to business planning was supporting customers and staff with a well-planned investment in purpose-built facilities that support the ATS transport task in SA and WA.
Construction using local businesses is about to start on 20,000sqm of land at Direk in Adelaide, SA.
“This will be the most modern ATS depot that will include drive through automatic wash bays and a modern weighbridge, several drive through large maintenance pits for full combinations, a modern workshop with several pits for our mechanics, a modern operations centre overlooking the depot, offices, boardroom and all the comforts for our drivers, including comfortable and quiet sleeping accommodation,” said Pausic.
ATS is also moving ahead with a 22,000sqm purpose-built facility in Welshpool, WA.
Pausic said the new depot will rival the one at Direk for features and also boast a drive through wash bay, drive through workshop maintenance pits, a weighbridge and a similar modern quality offices and driver accommodation.
“I am pleased with the team’s leadership in the safety and efficiency space, delivering great benefits to our customers and our business,” concluded ATS director Amrit Kankar.
“Our customer service focus, productivity and driving continuous improvement in these areas is a key focus of Auswide Transport Solutions’ future.”