Free load restraint checklist

• The MapTrack load restraint checklist contains 24 checks across 6 sections. Sections covered: A. Vehicle and deck, B. Load placement and weight, C. Friction and blocking, D. Lashings and rating, E. Edge protection and containment, F. Final check and in-transit.
• A load restraint checklist confirms a load is secured to the NHVR Load Restraint Guide standard before departure.
• The Guide sets Performance Standards: the load must hold under forward, rearward, sideways and downward forces.
• Restraint comes from placement, friction, blocking and rated lashings working together, not straps alone.
• Loading is a shared Chain of Responsibility duty across packer, loader, operator and driver.
• Recheck and retension restraints early in the trip and after the first stops, since loads settle.

Learn more about GPS and fleet tracking in MapTrack.

• Safer loads: confirms each load is secured to the NHVR Load Restraint Guide standard before the vehicle leaves the yard.
• Consistent checks: gives every loader and driver the same repeatable steps so restraint does not depend on memory or habit.
• Chain of Responsibility evidence: records that the packer, loader and driver met the shared loading duty for each trip.
• Fewer incidents: catching loose lashings, poor blocking or low friction before departure prevents loads shifting in transit.
• Restraint condition control: prompts a check of webbing, chains and devices so worn or damaged restraints are taken out of use.
• Audit and incident ready: a dated, completed checklist is clear proof the load met the performance standard before it moved.

• Trip and vehicle details: date, vehicle and trailer, driver, loading site and destination
• Load description: what is being carried, its approximate weight and how it is distributed on the deck
• Vehicle and deck condition: deck clean and sound, headboard rated and fit for use, anchor points and rails in good condition
• Load placement: load against the headboard or properly blocked, weight within limits and distributed for stability
• Friction: surface between load and deck provides adequate friction, or additional restraint added to compensate
• Blocking and containment: load blocked, gated or contained so it cannot move forward, rearward or sideways
• Lashings and rating: lashings are rated, the correct number and type for the load, undamaged and correctly tensioned
• Edge protection and equipment: corner and edge protection in place, dunnage, chains, binders and webbing in good condition
• Final check and sign off: load checked all round, restraints secure, and the check signed by the person responsible

1. Plan the load and check the vehicle

   Before loading, confirm the deck is clean and sound, the headboard is rated and fit for use, and the anchor points and rails are in good condition. Plan how the load will sit so weight is distributed for stability and within mass limits across the axle groups.

2. Place and block the load

   Load against the headboard or block the load so it cannot move forward, and arrange items so they cannot shift sideways or rearward. Good placement and blocking does much of the restraint work, so it comes before lashings rather than relying on straps to hold a poorly stacked load.

3. Assess friction and choose the restraint method

   Judge the friction between the load and the deck, because more friction means fewer lashings are needed and less friction means more. Choose tie down, direct restraint such as blocking and containment, or a combination, matched to the weight, shape and friction of the load.

4. Apply and tension rated restraints

   Use lashings that are rated for the load, in good condition and free of cuts, fraying or damage, and apply the correct number and type. Tension each lashing properly and add edge protection where a strap runs over a sharp corner so it is not cut under load.

5. Do a final all round check and record it

   Walk around the loaded vehicle and confirm placement, blocking and every restraint is secure to the Load Restraint Guide standard. Sign the checklist, and recheck restraint tension early in the trip and after the first stops, since loads can settle and lashings can loosen.

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.

• NHVR Load Restraint Guide - the Performance Standards a restraint system must meet (forward, rearward, sideways and downward forces)
• Heavy Vehicle National Law - loading requirements and the duty to ensure a load is restrained so it does not move or fall
• Heavy Vehicle National Law - Chain of Responsibility loading and restraint duties shared across the chain
• AS/NZS 4380 Motor vehicles, cargo restraint systems (transport webbing for load restraint)
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 - primary duty of care for safe loading and transport activities

• Model Work Health and Safety Act (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.

• Chain of responsibility policy template
• Mass management plan template
• Chain of responsibility checklist
• NHVR heavy vehicle inspection
• Fatigue fit for work declaration
• Driver handbook template
• Asset tracking
• Pricing