Austroads emphasizes data-driven approach for freight productivity

Industry leaders at MegaTrans 2026 and TechDRIVE events have highlighted the critical role of trusted data in shaping the future of freight productivity, infrastructure management, and the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Dr. Geoff Allan, CEO of Austroads, noted that while historical productivity gains focused on vehicle design and regulatory reform, modern challenges require a more sophisticated approach. He emphasized that accurate telematics data allows road managers to better understand infrastructure usage, enabling smarter decisions regarding maintenance, access, and investment.

Gavin Hill of Austroads detailed how the Transport Certification Australia (TCA) framework supports these efforts. Currently, more than 22,500 heavy vehicles share data through 35 approved technology providers, generating over 500 million records monthly. This system provides insights into freight movements and the demands placed on road networks through de-identified and aggregated data, supported by privacy protections.