Product Overview

Summary: This Load Securing for Transport Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step method for safely restraining loads on vehicles in line with Australian load restraint requirements. It helps businesses prevent load shifts, vehicle rollovers and dropped objects, protecting workers, other road users and your company’s reputation.

Poorly restrained loads are a leading cause of transport incidents, injuries and compliance breaches across Australian road networks. This Load Securing for Transport SOP sets out a practical, repeatable process for planning, loading, restraining, inspecting and unloading all types of freight, from pallets and stillages through to machinery, pipes and oversized items. It translates complex load restraint principles into clear instructions that drivers, yard staff and supervisors can consistently apply on every job.

The procedure is designed to support compliance with the National Transport Commission Load Restraint Guide and relevant WHS legislation in each state and territory. It helps businesses manage the shared responsibility between consignor, loader, packer, scheduler and driver by defining who does what, when and how. By implementing this SOP, organisations can reduce the risk of load shift, falling objects, vehicle instability and enforcement action, while improving turnaround times, documentation quality and training outcomes for new and existing staff.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian load restraint requirements and Chain of Responsibility obligations.
• Reduce the risk of load shifts, falling objects and vehicle rollovers during transport.
• Standardise loading and securing practices across drivers, shifts and depots.
• Improve efficiency by providing clear instructions that minimise delays, rework and disputes at loading points.
• Strengthen due diligence by documenting a defensible, auditable process for load securing activities.

Who is this for?

• Transport Managers
• Fleet Managers
• Truck Drivers
• Forklift Operators
• Yard Supervisors
• Warehouse and Dispatch Coordinators
• Logistics and Supply Chain Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Operations Managers
• Contractor Drivers and Owner-Drivers

Hazards Addressed

• Load shift during braking, cornering or acceleration
• Objects falling from vehicles onto roadways or workers
• Vehicle instability and rollover due to poorly distributed or unsecured loads
• Crush injuries during loading, securing and unloading activities
• Struck-by injuries from tensioned restraints snapping or releasing unexpectedly
• Musculoskeletal injuries from improper manual handling of restraints and dunnage
• Slips, trips and falls while accessing trailers, flatbeds or elevated loads
• Damage to goods, vehicles and infrastructure from inadequate restraint or over-tensioning

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (including types of restraints and load categories)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Driver, Loader, Supervisor, Consignor, Scheduler)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Guidance
• 5.0 Required Equipment and Load Restraint Devices
• 6.0 Pre-Operational Checks (vehicle, trailer, anchor points, restraints)
• 7.0 Load Assessment and Planning (weight, centre of gravity, distribution)
• 8.0 Loading Procedure (sequence, use of forklifts, cranes and manual handling)
• 9.0 Load Securing Procedure (selection, application and tensioning of restraints)
• 10.0 Verification and Inspection of Secured Loads (including checklists)
• 11.0 En Route Checks and Adjustments (stops, weather and road condition considerations)
• 12.0 Unloading Procedure and Safe Release of Restraints
• 13.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Controls for Load Securing Activities
• 14.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 15.0 Communication and Documentation Requirements (dockets, photos, records)
• 16.0 Training, Competency and Authorisation Requirements
• 17.0 Incident and Near-Miss Reporting Related to Load Securing
• 18.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• National Transport Commission – Load Restraint Guide (current edition)
• Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) – Chain of Responsibility provisions (where applicable)
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Commonwealth and harmonised states/territories)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (and equivalent state/territory regulations)
• AS/NZS 4380: Cargo restraint systems – Transport webbing and components
• AS 3990: Mechanical equipment – Steelwork (for anchor points and structural components, where relevant)
• Safe Work Australia – General Guide for Workplace Traffic Management
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace