At the recent Australian Trucking Association’s Technology and Maintenance Conference (TMC) in Melbourne, industry experts shared insights on how advanced regulatory telematics and data-driven tools are reshaping productivity, safety, and sustainability in the transport sector. The session was facilitated by Shannon Kyle from Teletrac Navman, with a panel featuring John Gordon from Transport Certification Australia (TCA), Adam Woltanski from Air Brake Corporation, and Jacinta Lane from Airtec Corporation.
The Role of Telematics and Data-Driven Decision Making
Telematics has long been a vital tool in the trucking industry, primarily for regulatory compliance and fleet management. However, TCA’s expanded range of regulatory telematics schemes has made it possible to apply this technology in ways that enhance infrastructure development, safety, and operational efficiency. John Gordon emphasised TCA’s mission to standardise and certify telematics technology for industry use, enabling government and industry to work towards common objectives like safety and productivity. By creating a trusted, standardised platform, TCA aims to foster technological innovation across states and enable operators, road managers, and government agencies to make data-driven decisions.
One significant benefit of the regulatory telematics framework is its ability to capture comprehensive data on vehicle usage across the road network. This data is then used by road managers to make informed decisions on infrastructure improvements, optimise compliance, and address potential safety concerns. For instance, Gordon noted that local road managers can access real-time data on heavy vehicle movements, allowing them to identify traffic patterns, detect problem areas, and proactively allocate resources to high-priority areas. This system has led to more efficient use of public funds, with data-backed applications supporting infrastructure upgrades in critical locations.
Smart Onboard Mass (OBM) Systems for Productivity and Efficiency
Smart OBM systems were another focal point of the discussion. These systems, as described by John Gordon, allow for more precise and reliable load monitoring, with a remarkable accuracy of 98%. Such systems are essential for operators needing to manage payloads efficiently without incurring additional weighbridge costs. They also play a role in ensuring compliance with road safety regulations, thereby supporting productivity gains and reducing operational risks.
Jacinta Lane from Airtec Corporation highlighted how Smart OBM technology, particularly their Australian-made AXS system, can streamline payload management and contribute to infrastructure improvements. Lane provided an example from Victoria’s Dimboola region, where data collected from TMA (Telematics Monitoring Application) and Smart OBM systems helped secure a $62 million investment for regional road upgrades. The data revealed a traffic detour through the town due to a weight-restricted bridge, which led to Treasury granting funds to strengthen the bridge to accommodate higher weights. This example illustrates how regulatory data can support infrastructure that not only benefits businesses but also minimises community disruptions and enhances public safety.
Lane also addressed common concerns around data privacy, assuring operators that while the data collected is valuable for compliance and safety, it is not used to impose fines or infringements. Instead, the data helps inform strategic decisions, making it a collaborative tool for both industry and government.
Data from Trailer Electronic Braking Systems (TEBS) and Safety Enhancements
Adam Woltanski, Senior Product Manager at Air Brake Corporation, explained the potential of Trailer Electronic Braking Systems (TEBS) data in enhancing vehicle safety and operational efficiency. TEBS can track critical metrics such as brake activation, air supply, and lateral acceleration, providing a wealth of data that, when analysed, can reveal patterns and identify risks. Woltanski described a case where data from TEBS allowed a fleet to detect an unstable trailer caused by a corroded electrical connection. This data-driven approach enabled the fleet to address the issue before it led to a potential safety incident.
Moreover, TEBS data is instrumental in identifying “hotspots” on the road network, where certain risks, such as rollover events, are more likely to occur. Woltanski recounted an incident where the system flagged repeated stability issues on a straight stretch of road in Central Queensland. Upon investigation, it was discovered that recent heavy rainfall had damaged the road, creating an undetectable hazard for drivers. By geofencing the area and reducing the speed limit, the fleet was able to mitigate the risk, demonstrating how data can prevent accidents and enhance road safety.
Industry-Specific Insights and Regulatory Impact
John Gordon also discussed the importance of industry-led data-sharing schemes, where organisations voluntarily share data with TCA to support infrastructure planning and regulatory decision-making. He noted that such schemes allow industry associations to work closely with government agencies in designing transport networks that meet the needs of specific sectors, like construction and dangerous goods. By providing insights into road usage and identifying routes in need of improvement, these data-sharing arrangements are increasingly shaping policies that support industry growth while enhancing public safety.
The session highlighted several key advantages of integrating onboard mass systems into fleet operations. According to Lane, onboard mass monitoring allows fleets to avoid extra trips to weighbridges and maximise payloads with each trip, potentially increasing payload efficiency by 3% to 15%. Additionally, adopting larger vehicle combinations, such as PBS A-doubles, can yield payload gains of around 31%, translating to significant cost savings, reduced driver hours, and less environmental impact due to lower fuel consumption and tyre wear.
This operational efficiency also contributes to worker safety by reducing driver fatigue. Lane stressed that compliance should not be viewed as a mere administrative task but as a measure that safeguards lives and promotes business sustainability. To support drivers, Airtec Corporation has developed a smartphone app that allows drivers to monitor load weights in real time from inside their vehicles, reducing the need to leave the cabin in potentially hazardous environments.
Managing Data Overload and Prioritising Insights
One challenge that emerged during the session was the vast amount of data generated by telematics and TEBS systems, which can overwhelm fleet managers. Woltanski advised companies to prioritise specific data points that align with their operational goals rather than attempting to analyse every piece of information. By focusing on key metrics, such as stability interventions and fault warnings, fleets can manage data more effectively and use analytics to identify high-risk vehicles or problem areas.
Managing data overload requires careful consideration of which insights are most valuable. TCA’s work with government agencies to provide selective analytics demonstrates this approach on a larger scale. Instead of overwhelming decision-makers with raw data, TCA delivers targeted analytics, helping local and state road managers address safety concerns while maintaining privacy protections for operators.
The panel agreed that data-driven compliance leads to safer operations, with fewer road incidents and enhanced productivity. Moreover, by leveraging telematics data to influence infrastructure projects, industry stakeholders can play a role in shaping Australia’s transport network to accommodate growth and support environmental goals. Kyle summed up this sentiment by saying, “If you’ve got compliance and productivity, safety almost becomes a byproduct.”
A Vision for the Future: Sustainability and CO2 Tracking
Looking ahead, Shannon Kyle underscored the potential of telematics data to support the trucking industry’s sustainability goals. In addition to tracking operational efficiency, he suggested that data could be used to monitor carbon emissions and environmental impact. With an increasing focus on sustainability, especially for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) that place heavier loads on certain axles, the ability to use telematics data for CO2 reporting will likely become essential. This capability could enable companies to demonstrate their environmental compliance and align with broader industry goals.
As telematics and Smart OBM systems continue to advance, the industry’s focus on data-driven safety and productivity is set to play a crucial role in meeting both regulatory requirements and the operational demands of a changing economy. By fostering collaboration between government, technology providers, and transport operators, the Australian trucking sector is building a foundation for a more efficient, safe, and sustainable future.
