Only around 35 New Zealand operators are on NZTA’s Alternative Fatigue Management Scheme. That isn’t because of low demand. Logbook technology simply hasn’t kept up with the scheme.

Standard work and rest rules suit predictable routes. When a safe place to stop isn’t available, drivers can end up pulling over somewhere unsafe or driving tired. In this 12-minute Studio session, Joel Nurock explains how AFMS addresses that, and what EROAD is building to make it work.

“Flexibility counts if you can prove it at roadside and in audits.”
- Joel Nurock, Product Manager, EROAD

What’s covered:

• What AFMS is and who it’s for. AFMS is an NZTA-approved scheme that gives operators flexibility on work and rest times in exchange for stronger fatigue management. It’s relevant to concrete, forestry, livestock, long-haul and weather-affected operations.
• Why now. NZTA’s June 2026 procedure requires operators on AFMS to use an electronic logbook and driver-facing cameras.
• AFMS-1: rest that fits the route. Drivers take the same total rest, split across the day, and natural downtime such as queuing at a forest site can count as compliant rest. Drivers in the trials are already logging 90-120 minutes of downtime this way.
• AFMS-2: longer days with controls. Supervisors will be able to extend a driver’s day, with a recorded reason for every approval. Drivers will see exactly how much extra time they have and how much rest they’ll owe.
• Confidence at roadside and in audits. The active rule set, AFMS history and NZTA reporting will all be available in the app, so there’s no scrambling when you’re asked for records.

Joel also shares what customers told EROAD about AFMS, including why one fleet says it has become a real draw card for drivers.

“The barrier for AFMS was never the rules. It was finding a logbook that could actually support them.”
- Joel Nurock, Product Manager, EROAD

Request a demo of EROAD Day Logbook →

Note: AFMS functionality is currently in development. Features and timing may change.