From Wednesday 23 September 2020, freight and logistics workers (heavy vehicle drivers) MUST have a valid Qld Border Declaration Pass (Freight & Logistics) which has been completed by the person named on the pass as it is a personal declaration. The pass is only VALID for 7 days. The current passes remain valid for any overlapping period.
You can apply for a border pass here https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass/freight-and-logistics
COVID Safe Plan
Heavy vehicle drivers MUST have an accessible copy of their employer’s or the operator’s COVID Safe Workplan. Queensland will recognise other States’ plans.
COVID-19 testing
If entering Qld from a hotspot, it is RECOMMENDED that the heavy vehicle driver is tested in the 7 day period prior to entering Qld, and thereafter maintain a rolling 7-day testing cycle while continuing to travel into and out of hotspots.
Heavy vehicle drivers should continue to be tested on a rolling 7-day testing cycle until at least 14 days after being in a hotspot.
When attending a testing location heavy vehicle drivers should show a valid Qld Border Declaration Pass (Freight & Logistics) as this entitles them to prioritised asymptomatic testing.
Heavy vehicle drivers do not need to self-isolate while waiting for test results after undergoing an asymptomatic test.
Record keeping
Heavy vehicle drivers who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Qld must:
- collect and maintain written records of close contacts for the shorter of 14 days commencing on the date of arrival in Qld, or until they depart Qld if the period they remain in Qld is less than 14 days; and
- collect and maintain the records at all times while a person is in Queensland in connection with a freight and logistics activity, even if off duty.
Qld resident heavy vehicle drivers are required to maintain contact records, even while in Qld and off duty, whether or not between shifts, until 14 days has passed since they were last in a COVID-19 hotspot.
Records cannot be kept in electronic or written work diary. A supplementary worksheet or other electronic or written document should be used for maintaining records.
A record of close contacts must include:
- date, time and location of where the close contact occurred; and
- if available, name, and phone number or email address of the close contact.
Template for Close Contact Records
Self-isolation/Quarantine requirements
Queensland residents
Freight and logistics workers who are Qld residents are now NOT REQUIRED to self-isolate / quarantine while off shift/duty as long as they comply with the Public Health Directions.
When on duty they must:
- have no or minimal close contact with the Qld community, including at truck rest stops, roadhouses, manned border crossings, depots; and
- only exit the vehicle to access rest stop facilities, refueling, and activities directly related to the delivery or loading of freight or to meet required regulation activities such as workplace health and safety or fatigue management; and
- follow all COVID-19 related instructions at any location attended; and
- use non-contact receipt and collection processes for freight, where available.
Non-Queensland residents
Freight and logistics workers who are non-Qld residents must:
- only remain in Qld for the time necessary to complete the essential activity i.e. the freight task; and
- have no or minimal close contact with the Qld community, including at truck rest stops, roadhouses, manned border crossings, depots; and
- only exit the vehicle to access rest stop facilities, refueling, and activities directly related to the delivery or loading of freight or to meet required regulation activities such as workplace health and safety or fatigue management; and
- follow all COVID-19 related instructions at any location attended; and
- use non-contact receipt and collection processes for freight, where available; and
- stay at overnight accommodation only when necessary in order to fulfil fatigue management requirements.
Recreational activities are not part of an essential activity and must not be undertaken by non-Qld freight and logistics workers to whom the QLD Freight Protocol applies.
Operational protocol for freight movements entering Queensland
If you need further assistance please reach out to the NatRoad Member Services Team on 1800 272 144 (8.30 am – 5.00 pm AEST, Mon-Fri) or email [email protected].
