Industry-wide trucking code proposed by ALC and ATA

An industry-wide master code for heavy vehicle safety is being developed by the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) and the Australian Trucking Association (ATA).

The code will help to provide certainty for the industry, while also promoting higher standards for safety.

“Improving safety outcomes along our supply chains is a core objective for the ALC, and heavy vehicle safety forms a significant part of that,” said Michael Kilgariff, ALC managing director.

“As the Australian government has agreed to ALC’s call to develop a National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, this is an opportune time to establish a master code, developed by and for the industry which will maximise the ability of operators to design safety schemes applicable to their own businesses, and accordingly make our industry and roads safer.”

The ALC and ATA have submitted a joint notice of intention to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

“Our planned master code will improve safety outcomes and will help meet and manage the common risks faced by all heavy vehicle operators,” said ATA CEO Ben Maguire.

“We know that 98% of trucking businesses have fewer than 20 employees, and that other relevant road parties such as consignors and receivers also have Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) obligations.

“The master code will benefit all parties to help them manage the safety risks over which they have control.

“The code will be freely available and will not replace the ATA’s TruckSafe scheme. The ATA will continue to offer this audited scheme for businesses seeking to meet the highest possible safety standards.”

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