ALRTA Media Release, 5 March 2021
The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) has called on farmers to obtain class 3 livestock permit pre-approvals before transport is arranged.
On 25 February 2021, two b-double loads of cattle were loaded in Kyneton, Victoria using a pre-approved Class 3 permit obtained by the land owner. The cattle were transported to Ballarat Saleyards.
Livestock Carrier John Beer said that the new system for obtaining class 3 permits is a game changer but more famers need to get on board.
“In the past, land-owners needed vehicle registration details to apply for a pre-approved class 3 livestock permit. They usually don’t know vehicle registration details before engaging a carrier so it was always the carrier’s job to obtain the permit. It can take up to 28 days to obtain a permit that could only be used by one carrier on one job. We don’t have time to wait and it is pointless gathering dozens of single use permits,” Mr Beer said.
“ALRTA asked the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to remove the registration information requirement and, with the support of the Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, the Hon. Scott Buchholz MP, the requirement was removed in December 2020.
“This was the first time in 50 years of driving that I have been able to use a producer’s permit to undertake a job. I hope more land-owners take advantage of the opportunity,” he said.
Livestock producers Keith and Cathy Hendry recommend that land-owners obtain permit pre-approvals where ever possible.
“Obtaining a pre-approved permit gives you certainty, choice, access to lower cost transport options and reduces liability in the unlikely event of an accident,” said Mr Hendry.
“Like many producers, we have a short stretch of dirt road separating us from a b-double route. For the next three years I can get a lower cost b-double to my front gate at any time. On top of that, I can choose any carrier able to provide a standard b-double configuration.
“NHVR staff were extremely responsive and happy to assist in progressing my permit application. The $75 permit cost is a good investment for my farming operation and shows that we are sharing responsibility with the transport operator.
“Last week I used the permit to send two b-double loads of cattle to sale. This week I used the permit to take delivery of a load of lime. I will also use it next time I buy livestock. It makes more sense for me to have a permit that I can use any time than to ask the carrier to get one for every trip.
“It’s the next best thing to having a b-double route outside my front gate,” he said.
