The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is urging heavy vehicle drivers and operators to remain vigilant when transporting shipping containers, warning that sealed loads can present safety risks that may not be visible from outside the vehicle.
The warning was raised in the latest episode of the NHVR’s What’s Your 20? podcast, where Victorian NHVR Senior Safety and Compliance Officer Paul joined hosts Sarah and Rob to discuss common issues involved in transporting container freight.
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati says drivers and operators servicing the growing freight task moving through Australia’s major ports need to be aware of the additional risks associated with container loads.
“Unlike many other freight tasks, drivers often have limited visibility of how goods have been packed inside a shipping container,” Paul says.
“Because containers are usually sealed, drivers can be relying on paperwork and external inspections to identify potential risks before they hit the road.
“Incorrectly loaded containers can affect vehicle stability, axle weights and load security, creating serious safety risks for drivers and other road users.”
The episode outlines several steps drivers can take before transporting container loads, including reviewing Container Weight Declarations, carrying out vehicle checks, and inspecting external container lockdown points.
It also highlights the need for drivers to understand the mass of the containers they are moving and ensure their vehicle remains compliant with gross vehicle mass and axle group limits.
Paul says drivers should raise concerns if they are unsure about the safety of a load, the security of a container’s locking mechanism, or how a container has been positioned on their vehicle.
“Container safety doesn’t start when a driver arrives to collect a load,” Paul says.
“Everyone in the Chain of Responsibility has a role to play, from those packing and loading the container through to those transporting it.
“Drivers should feel empowered to speak up if something doesn’t look right or if they have concerns about the safety of a load.”
The NHVR says it has resources available to help operators understand and meet their obligations around loading and load restraint, including controls specific to container freight.
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