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The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is urging drivers and operators to remain vigilant when transporting shipping containers, warning that sealed loads can present unique safety risks that are not always visible to those behind the wheel.
In the latest episode of the NHVR’s What’s Your 20? podcast, Victorian NHVR Senior Safety and Compliance Officer Paul and hosts Sarah and Rob discuss common issues faced by drivers transporting container freight and ways to prioritise their safety.
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said drivers and operators servicing the rapidly increasing freight task flowing from major ports across the country had additional safety considerations when moving container loads.
"Unlike many other freight tasks, drivers often have limited visibility of how goods have been packed inside a shipping container," Mr Salvati said.
"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."
On the episode, the team discuss steps for drivers to run through to maximise the safety of container loads, including reviewing Container Weight Declarations (CWDs), running vehicle checks and inspecting external lock down points of containers.
The team also discuss the importance of drivers being aware of the mass of containers they are transporting, and ensuring compliance with both gross vehicle mass and axle group limits.
Mr Salvati said if drivers were unsure about the safety of a load, the security of a container’s locking mechanism or the way the container was loaded onto their vehicle, they should raise their concerns.
"Container safety doesn't start when a driver arrives to collect a load," Mr Salvati said.
"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 has resources to help operators ensure they are adhering to the regulations around loading and load restraint, including specific controls for container loads.