The Australian Trucking Association will bring new thinking to old challenges in the Tech Truck Hackathon at Trucking Australia in April 2018.

“Trucking is a 40 billion dollar industry and we want in on the benefits of digital disruption,” ATA Chief Executive Officer Ben Maguire said at the Australasian Road Safety Conference in Perth today.

“We need to embrace new approaches to old challenges in the trucking industry and fatigue management is a clear challenge that could benefit from fresh thinking.

“One size fits all regulation won’t resolve fatigue management for trucking operators.

“We need a mix of operators – large and small – in the trucking industry to get the job done and we need to support operators – large and small – in their management of fatigue with technology solutions that are right for their business.

“Telematics systems and applications are available now to record a driver’s work and rest hours, but they have to be used in parallel with a written work diary.

“Drivers need to have the option of using a digital solution. It needs to be easy to use, sure and recognised by the regulator.

“Many large operators make a significant investment in telematics systems that are out of reach for medium and small trucking operators.

“At the same time we have wearable devices that help us track our activity and quality of our sleep and this could be a starting point for small to medium trucking operators who can’t afford expensive systems.

“The Tech Truck Hackathon is a chance to step back, put the challenge on the table and see if there are solutions which deliver an effective mix of regulation, technology use and individual management.

Mr Maguire said many governments and industries were embracing hackathons to address problems and long standing challenges.

“We will bring people with information technology backgrounds and industry know how together on fatigue management and support them to collaboratively code or develop a proof of concept solution for small to medium trucking businesses.

“This moment in time, with all its digital convergence gives us the opportunity to think differently, bring in fresh thinking and find solutions that lift our productivity.

“Australians need the trucking industry to be safe, viable and efficient into the future – we need to ensure the right mix of technology is in that future. 

“We will be looking to collaborate within the trucking industry but also with organisations and people who may never have considered the safety and economic significance of addressing challenges in the trucking industry.

Mr Maguire said he welcomed discussions with individuals, commercial organisations, think tanks, academics, regulators and operators that want to participate or support the Tech Truck Hackathon.

The Australian Trucking Association (www.truck.net.au) is the peak body representing the trucking industry. Its members include state and sector trucking associations, major logistics companies and operators and suppliers with leading expertise in truck technology.