Queensland's transition to Smart On-Board Mass and Telematics Monitoring Application

From 1 December 2022, eligible Class 2 heavy vehicles, and some specified Class 3 heavy vehicles, will commence an 18-month transition period, aligning Queensland’s use of National Telematics Framework applications for these vehicles with other jurisdictions.

The changes will include the transition of eligible vehicles from the:

• Intelligent Access Program (IAP) to the Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA)
• Queensland's Interim On-Board Mass (OBM) solution to Smart On-Board Mass (Smart OBM).

Read more about the changes to telematics requirements in Queensland (PDF, 234KB).

Existing enrolled transport operators in those programs are not required to transition to TMA or Smart OBM immediately. They can choose to transition from 1 December 2022 onwards, based on operational and commercial considerations.

• Existing enrolments must be fully transitioned to TMA or Smart OBM by 1 June 2024.
• From 1 December 2022, new operators may only enrol in TMA or Smart OBM.

Find out more about when you should transition (PDF, 141KB).

This approach aims to limit adverse operational or commercial impacts to industry. The Intelligent Access Program (IAP) and Queensland's Interim On-Board Mass (OBM) will both keep operating during the transition for anyone already using those programs. 

Vehicles affected

The changes only apply to Class 2 and some specified Class 3 vehicles that currently have telematic requirements. This is a 'like for like' transition. No new requirements are being added—only the type of telematics applications being used are changing.

The changes do not apply to Class 1 vehicles, such as Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV). The Intelligent Access Program (IAP) will continue to be required for Class 1 vehicles.

Reasons for changing

Smart On-Board Mass (Smart OBM) and the Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) are critical tools for the Queensland Government as a road manager and will provide ongoing access to telematics data. This is important to maintain heavy vehicle access to the road network and to support any future access considerations.

Smart OBM and TMA will also provide potential cost savings and operational efficiencies for industry. It is an important step toward national consistency, as several other Australian jurisdictions already use this technology. 

Benefits of Smart OBM and TMA

Transitioning to Smart On-Board Mass (Smart OBM) and the Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) will deliver a range of benefits, including:

The transition to Smart OBM and TMA will deliver a range of benefits, including:

• continued access to Queensland's state road network for Class 2 and some specified Class 3 heavy vehicles currently subject to telematic requirements
• cross‑border efficiencies and progress toward national consistency, matching other jurisdictions already using this technology
• potential operational efficiencies and cost savings to industry
• Smart OBM scale calibration requirements being updated to match the manufacturer’s specifications, which may extend the calibration interval from every 6 months to every 12 months
• delivering a richer data set that shows how heavy vehicles use the road network, supporting better future access and investment decisions.

Transition period

The transitional period is 18 months, starting on 1 December 2022.

Class 2 and some specified Class 3 heavy vehicles subject to telematic requirements must be fully transitioned to TMA and Smart OBM by 1 June 2024 to continue to operate on state-controlled roads in Queensland.

How to change to Smart OBM and/or TMA

Your chosen application service provider (ASP) can provide information about enrolling in Smart OBM and TMA. 

You can read further information on TMA and Smart OBM systems on the Transport Certification Australia (TCA) website.

Cancelling IAP or Queensland Interim OBM

If you are currently enrolled in Intelligent Access Program (IAP) or Interim On-Board Mass (OBM), you will need to cancel your enrolment after enrolling in TMA and Smart OBM.

To cancel IAP or Queensland Interim OBM enrolments, email [email protected].

Equipment requirements

In many cases, current in-vehicle units (IVU) and OBM scales are already compatible with Smart On-Board Mass (Smart OBM) and the Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA). Transport operators should check with their application service provider (ASP) to confirm. If new equipment is required, this must be arranged with the ASP and OBM equipment provider.

Costs

In most cases, the operating costs of the Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) are less than Intelligent Access Program (IAP), providing potential cost savings to transport operators. 

OBM calibration requirements may also change to align with the manufacturer's specification. Where a manufacturer allows for 12-monthly calibrations (instead of the current 6-monthly requirement), transport operators may see additional operational efficiencies and cost savings. Transport operators should check with their OBM equipment provider to confirm calibration schedules.

Smart OBM and TMA costs may vary, depending on the ASP and Smart OBM equipment provider. Costs may also depend on whether existing IVUs and OBM scales are compatible with TMA and Smart OBM, or if new equipment is required.

Transport operators should check with their ASP and OBM equipment provider to confirm equipment requirements and costs.

Permit requirements

You will not need to apply for a new permit. All existing permits will be amended to allow for the transition.

Any new permits issued from 1 December 2022 will include Smart On-Board Mass (Smart OBM) and the Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) as an access condition where required. 

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