Australia’s peak trucking industry body, the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is urging the industry’s customers to take into consideration the delays caused by flooding in northern Australia and to ensure they allow additional time for deliveries.
ATA Chairman, David Simon, said the floods had placed great pressure on local communities, regional infrastructure and the Australia’s trucking industry.
“Trucking will play an important role in the recovery of communities affected by the floods. Trucks are often the only way to get vitally needed supplies to where they are needed,” Mr Simon said.
“As a result, the trucking industry is working hard to ensure communities affected by flooding can get what they need quickly.
“This extra work, as well as the additional time needed to travel around flood affected areas, means there will be some delays for the industry’s customers.
“The ATA is asking all customers to realise the industry is doing its best to meet the demand, and to adjust their delivery schedules accordingly.
“This will keep our roads safe and ensure companies meet their obligations under Chain of Responsibility legislation, which holds consignees and consignors responsible if they pressure a driver into breaking the law, for example, by imposing unreasonable schedules given the flooding.”
Mr Simon also reminded motorists that roads in flood affected areas will be damaged and urged them to ensure they are careful around areas that have been subjected to flooding.
“Following the recent heavy rain and flooding, many roads will be damaged. It’s up to all motorists to ensure they take the changed road conditions into account and drive appropriately to the conditions,” Mr Simon said.
“The ATA, and its member associations in affected states, will be working hard to ensure roads and bridges are repaired quickly and rebuilt to appropriate standards.
“The ATA budget submission to the Australian Government will call for more road funding for the affected states, as well as special funds paid directly to local governments to help them fix their damaged roads and bridges.”
