Free chain of responsibility checklist

• The MapTrack chain of responsibility checklist contains 25 checks.
• Party identification: organisation name, ABN, role in the chain (operator, consignor, consignee, scheduler, loader, packer, unloader), responsible person, date of assessment.
• Speed management: scheduling practices do not encourage speeding, delivery windows allow for legal speed compliance, GPS or telematics data reviewed for speed events.
• Fatigue management: driver work and rest hours comply with the applicable standard (Standard Hours, BFM or AFM), rosters are designed to allow adequate rest, fatigue reporting systems are in place.

Learn more about GPS and fleet tracking in MapTrack.

• HVNL compliance: systematically verify that controls are in place across all seven CoR obligation areas (speed, fatigue, mass, dimension, loading, vehicle standards, road access).
• Due diligence evidence: a completed checklist demonstrates the organisation has taken reasonably practicable steps to meet its CoR duties, supporting a due diligence defence under HVNL Section 26E.
• Penalty avoidance: proactively identifying gaps in CoR controls helps avoid substantial fines, director liability and potential imprisonment for serious breaches.
• Audit readiness: regular self-assessments using the checklist prepare the organisation for NHVR audits, investigations and compliance reviews.
• Supply chain accountability: the checklist can be shared with supply chain partners (consignors, loaders, schedulers) to verify that all parties are meeting their respective CoR obligations.
• Risk reduction: systematic checks across fatigue, mass, load restraint and vehicle standards reduce the risk of heavy vehicle incidents caused by preventable compliance failures.

• Party identification: organisation name, ABN, role in the chain (operator, consignor, consignee, scheduler, loader, packer, unloader), responsible person, date of assessment.
• Speed management: scheduling practices do not encourage speeding, delivery windows allow for legal speed compliance, GPS or telematics data reviewed for speed events.
• Fatigue management: driver work and rest hours comply with the applicable standard (Standard Hours, BFM or AFM), rosters are designed to allow adequate rest, fatigue reporting systems are in place.
• Mass management: weighing or estimation procedures ensure vehicles do not exceed legal mass limits (GVM, GCM, axle limits), weighbridge or on-board scales used where required.
• Dimension compliance: loads do not exceed legal height, width, length or overhang limits, permits obtained for over-dimension loads.
• Loading and load restraint: loads are restrained in accordance with the NTC Load Restraint Guide 2018, loading procedures documented, staff trained in load restraint methods.
• Vehicle standards: vehicles maintained to roadworthy standards, pre-start inspections completed, defects reported and rectified before dispatch, maintenance records current.
• Road access: vehicles operate on approved routes only, permits obtained for restricted access vehicles (RAV), bridge and road restrictions checked before dispatch.
• Documentation: copies of mass declarations, consignment notes, load restraint records, fatigue records, maintenance records and permits are retained.

1. Identify the parties in the chain and their CoR roles.

   List every party involved in the transport activity: the operator, consignor, consignee, scheduler, loader, packer and unloader. Assign a responsible person within each organisation. The checklist should be completed by or on behalf of each party for their area of responsibility.

2. Review speed management controls.

   Confirm that scheduling and delivery windows do not require drivers to exceed legal speed limits. Review telematics or GPS data for recent speed events. Verify that contracts and KPIs do not create incentives to speed.

3. Verify fatigue management compliance.

   Check that driver rosters comply with the applicable fatigue standard (Standard Hours, BFM or AFM). Confirm that work diaries or electronic work diaries (EWD) are being completed correctly. Review whether scheduling practices allow adequate rest periods between shifts.

4. Assess mass, dimension and loading controls.

   Verify that mass is being checked (weighbridge, on-board scales or documented estimation method) before dispatch. Confirm dimension checks are performed for height, width and overhang. Inspect load restraint to ensure it meets the NTC Load Restraint Guide requirements.

5. Check vehicle standards and road access.

   Confirm that pre-start inspections are being completed for every vehicle before each trip. Review maintenance records to ensure scheduled servicing is current. Verify that vehicles are operating on approved routes and that any required access permits are in place.

6. Record findings, assign corrective actions and sign off.

   Document any gaps or non-conformances identified during the assessment. Assign corrective actions with owners and due dates. The responsible person signs the completed checklist, which is then filed as evidence of due diligence.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

• Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) Section 26C - Primary duty
• Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) Section 26E - Due diligence defence
• HVNL Chapter 4 - Vehicle operations (speed, fatigue, mass, dimension, loading)
• NHVR Master Industry Code of Practice
• NTC Load Restraint Guide 2018
• HVNL Fatigue Management Standards (Standard Hours, BFM, AFM)

• Model Codes of Practice (Safe Work Australia)
• Heavy Vehicle National Law and Regulations (NHVR)

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

• Driver safety checklist
• Vehicle pre-start checklist
• Driver daily log sheet
• Vehicle defect report form
• Vehicle maintenance log
• Inspections and checklists
• GPS and fleet tracking
• Fleet management
• Transport and logistics
• Fleet pre-start inspections
• Pricing