Chain of responsibility policy

Chain of Responsibility Policy

Local Freight’s Chain of Responsibility will be clearly addressed by all participants throughout the entire organisation. Our transport chain includes, but is not restricted to: consignors, packers, loaders, subcontracted drivers, other transport companies, and freight receivers.

Local Freight will ensure that all goods carried on our behalf will comply with all State and Territory regulations, laws and codes of practice.

Purpose

If you are involved in any part of the transport process, you could be held legally liable for breaches of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) even though you have no direct role in driving or operating a heavy vehicle.

The aim of the Chain of Responsibility is to make sure everyone in the supply chain shares equal responsibility for ensuring breaches do not occur. Under Chain of Responsibility laws if you exercise (or have the capability of exercising) control or influence over any transport task, you are part of the supply chain and therefore have a responsibility to ensure the laws are complied with.

The law recognises that multiple parties may be responsible for offences committed by the drivers and operators of heavy vehicles. A person may be a party in the supply chain in more than one way. For example they may have duties as the employer, the operator and the consigner of goods. Legal liability applies to all parties for their actions or inactions.

What is Chain of Responsibility (CoR)?

It means all parties in the road transport supply chain:

∙ are responsible for preventing a breach of road transport laws

∙ must take positive steps to prevent a breach of the road transport mass, dimension loading and work hours’ laws.

Roles & Responsibilities

You may be responsible for more than one role in this table, please ensure you carefully read each Role and Responsibility to ensure you are compliant in all aspects of the chain.

Job Title	Role	Legal Responsibility
Consignor / Dispatcher	Dispatches goods for delivery	Ensure deliveries don’t require a driver to: ∙ Transport goods that go beyond vehicle dimension or mass limits ∙ Inappropriately secure the load ∙ Exceed the permitted number of driving hours ∙ Fail to have minimum rest periods ∙ Exceed the speed limits
Consignee / Receiver	Orders and / or accepts the goods being delivered	Assume the same responsibilities as the consignor / dispatcher, plus: ∙ Must not knowingly encourage or reward a breach of the mass, dimension, load restraint or driving hours laws
Loader	Loads goods into the vehicle	Ensure the vehicle’s load: ∙ Doesn’t exceed the dimension or mass limits ∙ Cannot become unstable, move, or fall off the vehicle ∙ Is evenly distributed over the chassis
Driver	Transports the load to its destination	Maintain current obligations to ensure: ∙ The vehicle does not exceed the dimension or mass limits ∙ The load is appropriately restrained ∙ All required equipment is properly fitted to the vehicle ∙ Required rest breaks are taken and driving hours regulations and speed limits are observed ∙ Safe and responsible driving behaviour is demonstrated at all times ∙ Load continues to be evenly distributed over the chassis throughout the shift ∙ Pre-start checklists are carried out at the commencement of each shift

Chain of Responsibility

Job Title	Role	Legal Responsibility
Operations Manager	Operates and / or manages the business dispatching the goods	Be responsible for ensuring: ∙ Rosters do not require drivers to exceed permitted driving hours ∙ Accurate records of drivers’ activities are kept, including driving, work, and rest times ∙ Vehicle speed limiters are functioning ∙ Loads do not exceed dimension or mass limits and are properly restrained Ensure that the following are carried when required and correctly: ∙ Pre-start checklists ∙ Log books, where appropriate
Fleet Manager	Schedules the transport of goods by road	Ensure the transport schedule doesn’t require a driver to: ∙ Exceed the speed limit ∙ Exceed the permitted number of driving hours ∙ Fail to have minimum rest periods Ensure that the driver completes and the following are received at the end of each shift: ∙ Pre-start checklists ∙ Log books, where appropriate
Human Resources Manager	Responsible for Health & Safety and engages someone to drive a regulated heavy vehicle	Take all reasonable steps to ensure business practices do not cause a driver to: ∙ Drive whilst fatigued ∙ Breach a work/rest requirement ∙ Breach a speed requirement

For more information, please visit NHVR’s website here.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How do I request a quote for freight transport?

Simply reach out via phone, email, or our online form. We'll discuss your requirements and provide a competitive, tailored quote to suit your specific transport needs.

Are your services suitable for time-sensitive shipments?

Yes! We offer flexible scheduling, including same-day pickup and delivery, to meet the needs of time-sensitive shipments. We’ll work with you to ensure your freight arrives when you need it.

Can I track my freight in real time?

Absolutely! We provide real-time tracking for all shipments, so you can stay informed every step of the way.

Do you provide insurance for freight?

We offer insurance options to protect your freight during transport. Let us know if you’d like to discuss coverage for your shipment.