High Productivity Livestock Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (HPLV)
Have you heard the news? The Livestock & Rural Transporters Association of Victoria (LRTAV) High Productivity Livestock Vehicle (HPLV) Accreditation Scheme has been rolled out to livestock operators in Victoria to enable access to the Victoria Higher Productivity Network as an HPLV combination without the requirement to be approved under the Performance Based Standard (PBS) scheme. And guess what? BTT Engineering are all over it.
We are excited to be at the forefront of this game-changing initiative, supporting the livestock carrier industry in improving operational efficiency, animal welfare and safety.
What is the Victorian High Productivity Livestock Vehicle Accreditation Scheme?
The scheme is an initiative developed by the LRTAV and supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) along with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning to enhance the productivity and safety of livestock transport while ensuring compliance with industry regulations. HPLVs are Class 3 heavy vehicle combinations that exceed 26 metres and are designed to move livestock in A Doubles and B-triples up to 36.5m and AB Triple Combinations up to 42m long. HPLVs are not required to have a Performance Based Standards (PBS) approval as long as they meet all the HPLV requirements. These vehicle combinations typically fall outside the Performance-Based Standards (PBS) scheme requirements because of their high payload centre of gravity.
The LRTAV HPLV Accreditation Scheme is a compulsory scheme for operators who wish to access the Victorian HPLV Network as a HPLV combination.
Some of the scheme requirements include:
A HPLV must meet one of the reference vehicle designs (Axle spaced the dimensions)
Minimum Vehicle Standards (Road-friendly suspension, Compliant Braking System, Road Train Signs, ADR 80/02 Emission Compliance)
Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) or Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA)
Operate under an approved Maintenance Management Scheme
Compliance with the LRTAV HPLV Standards and Operating Conditions.
So how does it all work?
The process begins with the submission of an application to the LRTAV, accompanied by the necessary payment. Once the application is lodged and approved, operators must arrange an Entry Audit with an approved (HPLV) auditor who will assess compliance with accreditation standards.
Following a successful audit, the HPLV scheme coordinator will review the findings, approve the application, and issue the Certificate of Accreditation. This certification formally recognises the operator’s compliance with accreditation requirements, allowing them to operate under the scheme’s conditions and apply to access the Pre-Approved HPLV network.
Although the network is Pre-Approved, an permit is required to gain access to the network. Provided the combination meets the reference vehicle requirements, permit approval is a straightforward process and is the final step to using the combination under the scheme. When operating under the HPLV scheme, operators must ensure they have a functional Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) or Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) system in place.
How we can help with High Productivity Livestock Vehicle (HPLV) Accreditation?
BTT Engineering is an accredited auditor under the High Productivity Livestock Vehicle Accreditation Scheme and therefore are capable of helping operators gain accreditation to access the benefits of this scheme. We are committed to supporting operators through the accreditation process, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. Accreditation is crucial for operators seeking to improve productivity, operational efficiencies and safety. Our experienced team ensures that our clients receive quality advice when they need it - there’s no point going through the full accreditation process only to find that you can’t get road access due to not meeting a reference vehicle!
A key benefit of working with BTT Engineering is our capability of handling all related aspects of the HPLV Accreditation. Not only are we an auditor under the scheme, we are also an approved NHVAS auditor and can provide documentation to assist with getting set up with Maintenance Management Accreditation as required. Our team is also an industry leader in knowledge of access permits and can easily arrange for permits to be issued through the NHVR portal. Finally, our network of contacts within the industry means we can recommend providers for the required Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) or Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) systems. As a client, you can come to BTT Engineering with minimal systems in place and walk away with everything you need to operate under the scheme (provided your vehicles are suitable). If you're ready to enhance your productivity and safety, contact us today to learn more!