The trucking industry has thanked outgoing National Heavy Vehicle Regulator CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM for his commitment to customer service, safety and the industry's productivity.
Mr Petroccitto has announced that he will leave the regulator in January 2025.
Australian Trucking Association Chair Mark Parry said that Mr Petroccitto had joined the regulator in May 2014 at a time of crisis.
"The NHVR started full operations in February 2014, but rapidly accumulated a backlog of thousands of road access permit applications. These permits are essential for businesses that transport oversize and overmass loads," Mr Parry said.
"Sal dealt with the backlog and transformed the NHVR's customer service capability. Just weeks ago, the Customer Service Institute of Australia named Sal as the Customer Service Executive of the Year.
"Other government service providers and regulators could learn from Sal's success."
Mr Parry emphasised Mr Petroccitto's role in improving Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM), which is used by trucking businesses with sophisticated fatigue management systems.
"Under Sal's leadership, the NHVR recognised that providing operators and drivers with the opportunity to manage their working hours more flexibly delivered both productivity gains and greater safety," he said.
"The new NHVR CEO will need to protect this flexibility in the face of proposals to over-regulate the fatigue system for safe, sophisticated operators in the forthcoming amendments to the Heavy Vehicle National Law."
Mr Parry thanked Mr Petroccitto for his willingness to engage with the trucking industry.
"One of the hallmarks of Sal's tenure in the role has been his willingness to consult with the industry and talk at industry events about the NHVR's plans. The incoming CEO should continue Sal's approach," he said.
"On behalf of the ATA and the whole trucking industry, I wish Sal all the best and every success for the future."
