Product Overview

Summary: This Standard Operating Procedure sets out a clear, repeatable framework for planning and coordinating infield logistics across Australian worksites and remote operations. It aligns people, plant, materials and information so that crews have what they need, where and when they need it, reducing downtime, confusion and costly delays.

Infield logistics is the backbone of efficient project delivery, particularly in Australian conditions where distance, weather, and access constraints can quickly derail even the best-laid plans. This Standard Operating Procedure provides a structured approach to coordinating the movement of people, equipment, materials and consumables between depots, laydown areas and worksites. It defines who does what, when, and how information flows, so that field teams are supported, not held back, by logistics.

The SOP is designed for organisations working in construction, civil infrastructure, mining, utilities, agriculture, and field services where multiple crews, subcontractors and suppliers must be synchronised. It addresses common pain points such as last‑minute changes, miscommunication between office and field, under‑utilised plant, and materials arriving out of sequence. By implementing this procedure, businesses can standardise planning, scheduling, communication and documentation of infield logistics, improving productivity and cost control while supporting compliance with WHS and Chain of Responsibility obligations.

Developed for the Australian context, the SOP reflects typical site access requirements, remote and regional operating challenges, and coordination across multiple stakeholders. It supports integration with existing job management, ERP and fleet systems, providing a practical, on-the-ground framework that turns high-level plans into reliable, day‑to‑day execution.

Key Benefits

• Streamline planning and scheduling of infield deliveries, personnel movements and equipment allocation to reduce idle time and rework.
• Improve communication between head office, depots, transport providers and field crews with clear roles, handover points and escalation pathways.
• Enhance utilisation of vehicles, plant and equipment through standardised booking, prioritisation and confirmation processes.
• Reduce project delays and cost overruns by managing changes, constraints and access issues in a controlled, documented way.
• Support compliance with WHS and Chain of Responsibility requirements by embedding checks, documentation and verification into logistics workflows.

Who is this for?

• Operations Managers
• Project Managers
• Infield Logistics Coordinators
• Site Supervisors
• Field Service Managers
• Supply Chain and Procurement Managers
• Transport and Dispatch Coordinators
• Warehouse and Stores Supervisors
• Civil Construction Forepersons
• Maintenance Planners

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Office, Depot, Transport, Field Crews)
• 4.0 Planning Infield Logistics (Forecasting, Lead Times, Constraints)
• 5.0 Daily Coordination and Scheduling Process
• 6.0 Booking and Allocation of Vehicles, Plant and Equipment
• 7.0 Materials and Consumables Management (Kitting, Staging, Priority Codes)
• 8.0 Communication Protocols Between Office, Depot and Field
• 9.0 Change Management and Variations (Last‑Minute Requests and Re‑prioritisation)
• 10.0 Documentation, Records and System Integration
• 11.0 Risk and Issue Management for Infield Logistics
• 12.0 Interface with WHS, Chain of Responsibility and Site Access Requirements
• 13.0 Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
• 14.0 Training, Competency and Induction Requirements
• 15.0 Review, Audit and Document Control

Legislation & References

• Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) – Chain of Responsibility requirements (as adopted in participating Australian states and territories)
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state and territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth and harmonised state and territory equivalents)
• AS ISO 55001:2014 Asset management – Management systems – Requirements
• AS ISO 31000:2018 Risk management – Guidelines
• Safe Work Australia – General Guide for Workplace Traffic Management
• National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) – Load Restraint Guide (for integration with transport processes)