RESPONSE TO COVID-19
Update issued 28th June 2021
Service Disruption due to COVID-19 Border Closure
With the rapidly evolving Covid 19 situation it is necessary for Shaws Darwin Transport to take every care to prevent infection and further spread of the disease. Transport and Logistics remain an ‘Essential Service’ and therefore subject to full compliance with Covid Protocols we will be able to continue to operate as close to normal as possible.
Shaws Linehaul operations will continue with strict observance of the various cross border permit requirements. We continue to do Covid tests on all our drivers at frequent intervals. To the greatest extent possible we will avoid bringing long haul drivers and trucks passed closed borders. All drivers will wear masks for all contacts, maintain safe distances and socially isolate when away from home base.
With Sydney in full lockdown we will continue to operate, however enhanced care to prevent infection will be observed. Masks will be worn in all offices, sheds and for all customer contacts. POD ‘signatures’ will be electronic where possible.
Your continued support and co-operation in uncertain circumstances is appreciated. We are fortunate to be exempt from business shutdowns imposed on many businesses. Our intention is to keep everyone safe and to keep operating as normal a service as possible.
Allan Thornley
Managing Director
Shaws Darwin Transport
Update issued 08.00 3rd August 2020
Service Disruption due to COVID-19 Border Closure
We are pleased to report that following significant efforts by our Operations Teams in Darwin, Brisbane and Sydney over the weekend all services have or will reach their destination either on schedule or very close to it.
Where Drivers were denied entry to the Territory we have transferred priority trailers to those teams granted access or performed Driver and Prime Mover changeovers at the border to allow trailers to proceed. Some general service trailers have been delayed by some hours, however the public holiday in Darwin today (Monday 3rd August) has given sufficient time for those services to arrive in time for unload and delivery within service standard times.
Going forward there remain significant challenges to restructure services and trip plans to accommodate changing border requirements. Our overall plan is to restrict drivers and prime movers as much as possible to their home states and perform border changeovers when necessary to ensure Teams from NT designated Covid Hot Spots do not enter the Territory.
To date throughout this crisis we have had no confirmed COVID cases, no drivers currently have symptons and all covid tests performed on our people company- wide have been negative. We are continuing to maintain social distancing and covid-safe practices in all workplaces.
We take this opportunity to thank the Northern Territory Road Transport Association for ongoing support, guidance, and government liaison in this challenging environment.
Further updates on this evolving situation will be issued as necessary.
Allan Thornley
Managing Director
Shaws Darwin Transport
UPDATE Issued at 09.00 1st August 2020
Service Disruption due to COVID-19 Border Closure
Effective from midnight on 31st July 2020 we are suffering significant service disruption at the NT/QLD border.
Without prior advice the Northern Territory Chief Health Officer closed the NT/QLD border to all travellers from Sydney, Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan from Midnight on 31st July 2020. This includes previously exempt essential transport services which were already in transit prior to the announced closure. There was no prior consultation or advice to industry despite persistent close liaison and guidance from operators and industry associations. Consequently the situation is unclear and evolving rapidly and we are working proactively with all authorities to comply with new requirements and maintain essential freight movements.
Despite our effective self quarantine and covid-safe management of long haul crews the rapid escalation of the Brisbane COVID clusters and the consequent response of the NT CHO we are suffering disruption of services from Brisbane and to a lesser extent from Sydney. All Brisbane/Logan/Ipswich based crews are being prevented from entering NT. Sydney services are being crewed by non-Sydney based crews and are expected to be allowed to enter. Crews currently inside the NT borders, irrespective of home base, are able to continue to operate.
We are currently identifying which crews will be able to enter and prioritising food and refrigerated services. Road trains are being re-configured close to the NT Border to ensure prioritised trailers suffer minimum delay.
To date throughout this crisis we have had no confirmed COVID cases, no drivers currently have symptoms and all covid tests performed on our people company- wide have been negative. We are continuing to maintain social distancing and covid-safe practices in all workplaces.
Further updates on this evolving situation will be issued as necessary.
Allan Thornley
Managing Director
Shaws Darwin Transport
IMPORTANT SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 23/3/2020
Shaws continues to closely monitor the situation regarding the spread of the COVID-19 virus. With
the situation surrounding COVID-19 evolving so quickly, we are taking proactive precautions to
protect the Health and Safety of our workforce and our customers to reduce the possibility that
our ability to provide services is impacted.
The measures that we have introduced across Shaw’s are in line with the recommendations from
the Federal Government and include:
- Real time monitoring of advice from the Federal Government and relevant heath
authorities. - A requirement that employees or contractors that have returned from international travel
self-isolate at home for 14 days. - The cancellation of all international and domestic business travel for the immediate future.
- Enhancing our current ability for admin staff to work remotely.
- Maintaining separation of critical office-based staff into separate office locations to prevent
cross-contamination. - Isolating Operations personnel to single sites only.
- Replacing as many face-to-face meetings as possible with other digital modes of
communication (e.g. video or phone calls) to reduce any possible transmissions. - Deferring non-essential visitors and contractors from our sites.
In addition to these measures, Shaw’s is has been proactively communicating daily good hygiene
practices, use of PPE and sanitising equipment and physical separation requirements to all
personnel.
At present, the COVID-19 virus has not materially impacted the supply of any of our services.
Based on the measures mentioned above Shaw’s is confident our high service levels will be
maintained. Should this situation change and our services become materially impacted by the
COVID-19 outbreak; we will communicate this to affected customers.
Please monitor the Shaw’s website (www.shaws.com.au) for updates.
Should you require any additional information please contact your local Shaw’s Branch
Sydney – (02) 9756 1877
Darwin – (08) 8947 1224
Perth – (08) 9359 1000
Brisbane – (07) 3376 0244
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