Transport companies with heavy truck fleets operating across Australia have a challenging role in managing a large number of vehicles, and making sure they’re compliant with each state’s road network and safety requirements under the heavy vehicle national law.
Luckily, telematics offers a more flexible solution to the complex compliance requirements. Telematics is a tool to monitor different types of vehicle, diagnostic and driver data using GPS technology. By leveraging telematics, fleet operators can gain valuable insights into their vehicles’ performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance efficiency and safety.
What is Transport Certification Australia (TCA)?
For fleet operators looking for a telematics solution, selecting a provider who is TCA certified is one way of ensuring that they are getting the most out of their investment. The certification comes with rigorous assessment and compliance with national regulations. The TCA, or Transport Certification Australia, is a national organisation and the administrator of the National Telematics Framework (NTF) that sets standards and is the certifying body to determine that a telematics device and system meets the required standards.
What is a telematics application?
A telematics application is a telematics solution using a combination of hardware devices and connected systems to collect telematics data and ensure compliance. Telematics applications are often used to monitor heavy vehicles, including semi-trailers, road trains, and oversize/overmass vehicles but can integrate with any vehicle telematics where hardware has been installed. These applications provide real-time data on vehicle location, speed, and other critical parameters, enabling fleet operators to make informed decisions and improve operational efficiency.
The Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) operated by the TCA is one example of a telematics application in Australia. It’s specifically designed to keep an eye on the performance and compliance of these heavy vehicles by monitoring their location, time, and identity. Some fleet operators also opt for optional features like monitoring of mass or the self-declaration of data through a user interface.
Geotab’s TCA certification
After the certification of its GO9 device in January 2024, Geotab applied to become a certified Application Service Provider (ASP) of the TCA. The assessment process involved reviewing Geotab’s adherence to data transfer requirements, relating to data security and format specifications; along with a risk-based assessment of its business and functional and technical capabilities. After a thorough review, Geotab is now certified by the TCA as an Application Service Provider (ASP) of the Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) Application and the TMA. Geotab’s TMA solution, focusing on meeting the needs of fleet operators across the country, is now in early release for interested parties.
What the TCA certification means for fleet operators
Choosing a TCA-certified solution like Geotab’s ensures that fleet operators are receiving accurate and comprehensive fleet and vehicle data, which is crucial for maintaining compliance and optimising operations.
In addition, as an ASP Geotab can now connect road managers and transport operators in the National Telematics Framework ecosystem. This means that once fleet operators purchase Geotab’s TCA-approved hardware and enrol their vehicles in the required telematics schemes, Geotab can begin monitoring the vehicles and send the required data to the TCA. This seamless integration simplifies the process for fleet operators and ensures that they are meeting all necessary regulatory requirements.
Telematics data collected by ASPs makes it easier for fleet operators to manage their heavy vehicles’ access to specific state road schemes, ensure that safety regulations are being met, and optimise operations.
Join the waitlist and receive early access
You can record your interest in the early release of the Geotab TMA solution here or reach out to your Geotab Partner Account Manager for more details.