Trucking industry could soon receive a new IAP provider, with VMS applying for certification
By Brad Gardner | August 23, 2010
The trucking industry could soon receive a new Intelligent Access Program (IAP) provider, with Vehicle Management Systems (VMS) applying for certification.
VMS last week finalised its takeover of Minorplanet which is already an IAP provider but went into liquidation earlier this month.
Minorplanet will be incorporated into VMS as a new company under the banner of VMS-Minorplanet. As such, it must apply for IAP certification.
Transport Certification Australia – the body responsible for approving IAP providers – says the accreditation process has started.
“Once TCA has completed a due diligence of VMS and subject to VMS meeting the IAP standards for due diligence, VMS will be certified as an IAP service provider and will be able to commence delivering IAP services,” a spokesman for the TCA says.
“Until certification of VMS is successfully completed, Minorplanet will continue to provide IAP services ensuring the continued delivery of IAP services to transport operators.”
Companies must meet stringent design and testing procedures before they are certified to offer IAP, which is an in-vehicle tracking device used to monitor heavy vehicles.
Queensland and NSW require operators to use IAP to gain higher mass limits (HML) access, while Victoria and South Australia limit the application to higher productivity vehicles.
Victoria also mandates IAP for concrete pump trucks and cranes.
VMS Managing Director Dean Verberne declined to speak about the company’s IAP plans when he spoke to ATN last week.
However, he says the new venture has signficiant support from shareholders and is committed to the GPS tracking business.
VMS now owns Minorplanet’s 1200-strong customer base, software, hardware and name.
Minorplanet went into administration on July 7 this year before entering liquidation on August 10.
Verberne says there is a lot of scope for growth in the telematics market because of the growing role of fleet tracking equipment in the trucking industry.
“The industry will probably move that way from a safety and compliance perspective,” he says.
Transtech Driven, TCS and Black Box Control currently offer IAP services. Omnistar, which is a certified provider, was recently purchased by Transtech.