Government launches new freight data hub to improve truck driver deliveries

There’s been a big boost for retailers like Woolworths and Coles that will impact deliveries to their stores.

Truck drivers will be able to deliver groceries and toilet paper to supermarkets faster due to a new freight data website that monitors traffic and congestion on Australian roads.

The federal government on Sunday launched the National Freight Data Hub in a bid to improve the efficiency, safety, productivity and resilience of the freight industry.

Part of the inspiration behind the hub was avoiding panic buying at grocery stores, with the hub allowing freight industry powerbrokers to monitor the supply lines of goods.

Federal Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack announced the government would spend $16.5 million over four years on the hub.

The hub’s prototype website is live and has a focus on congestion data.

It promises to display when and where roadworks are occurring on Australian roads, show congestion and its effects on freight traffic, document commodities being imported and exported while also tracking heavy vehicle use.

Logistic company Toll’s head of innovation, Peter Carney, said the hub would allow truck drivers to deliver goods faster.

“This will enable road users and governments to develop strategies for managing the effects of congestion,” Mr Carney said.

Freight companies such as Toll are set to benefit from a new data hub. Picture: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg News

A new freight data network will improve transportation of goods. Picture: Supplied

“The maps will assist drivers in planning their routes because knowing where not to drive is as important as knowing where to drive.”

Ben Newton, head of transport development for Woolworths Group, said Covid-19 had reminded the freight industry of how important it was to monitor supply lines.

“The challenges of the past year have put a spotlight on the need for industry and government to work closely together across supply chains to deliver for the community,” he said.

“The hub is a significant step forward in this collaboration, using real-time data to drive greater efficiency, safety and productivity outcomes across the transport network.”

The Deputy Prime Minister said the hub would also make life easier and safer for truck drivers.

“Every Australian, everywhere, every day relies on a truck driver, which is why we need high-quality, easily accessible data to make sure the movement of goods and services is as efficient as possible, especially as Australia’s freight task grows,” Mr McCormack said.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said being able to track congestion was a giant leap forward for retailers such as Woolworths and Big W.

“The prototype website is an important first step that shows the hub’s potential as a game changer for the Australian freight and supply chain industry,” he said.