The National Transport Commission (NTC) said regulatory reform and streamlined access systems will be critical to improving freight productivity as the nation’s freight task continues to grow.
Speaking at Bulk Tanker Day 2026, NTC Executive Leader, Aaron de Rozario, said the freight sector was facing mounting productivity pressures identified by the Productivity Commission.
“The freight task in Australia is increasing, and it will continue to increase, but productivity in freight has not really improved, and it’s not keeping pace,” he said – adding that improved productivity requires a system-wide approach rather than isolated changes. “You can’t just tweak one thing and expect miracles. You’ve actually got to look at that whole system and look at how you can improve productivity.”
Rozario outlined reforms under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) including increases to general mass limits, expanded vehicle length allowances from 19 to 20 metres and proposed height increases to 4.6 metres for certain combinations.
“We’re adjusting the regulatory settings to allow industry to safely move more freight more efficiently,” he said.
The presentation also focused heavily on reform of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, which Rozario described as outdated and unnecessarily complex.
Australian-only land transport requirements were creating added cost without corresponding safety benefits.
“The analysis, and this was based on good data provided by industry, costs the Australian industry about $180 million per annum,” he said of emergency information panel requirements on intermediate bulk containers.
“When we look at what are the safety benefits associated with that, the safety benefits we’ve identified are negligible.”
Rozario said removing the requirement could generate a $180 million productivity benefit with zero government or industry investment whatsoever.
Future reforms will also focus on automated vehicles and improved road access systems, including the proposed National Automated Access System designed to streamline permit approvals electronically.
“The Productivity Commission’s modelling suggests that improving access could raise Australian GDP by as much as $4 billion,” said Rozario.
He said industry input would remain critical to identifying inefficiencies and improving freight productivity outcomes across the national transport system.
In related news, fuel costs dominate supply concerns.
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