The Chain of Responsibility legislation was passed by Western Australian Government in May 2012. With the legislation is due to take effect from March 2014 and will be applicable to all vehicles regardless of their size.
These changes have been introduced in the interest of national consistency for the following reasons:
1. To improve road safety
2. Reduce damage to infrastructure
3. Promote a “level playing field” for all industry
4. Improve deterrence and enforcement
5. To improve business efficiency and compliance
Everyone involved in the movement of any Loaded Containers on the roads of Western Australia (Export and Import) will now become part of an important chain and you should be aware of your responsibilities. Please click here for the full Legislation Fact Sheet issued by the Main Roads Department of W.A.
Consignor/Receiver along with Freight Forwarders Responsibility has been clearly shown, with main emphasis on Imported Containers being targeted. As such EES have approached the Mains Road Department and obtained confirmation that the Bill Of Loading (B/L) is an acceptable format/document as it contains all relevant information which meets a Container Weight declaration (CWD) criteria ( as shown on fact sheets – Fact Sheet 7 Complying CWD Paragraph).
The information on the B/L also provides proof to Transport Companies, Shipping Lines and Stevedores on both Net and Gross Weights (NW and GW) and they can safely carry said container as this information is transmitted down the line to B/L (Shipping Line), Ships Manifest, Stevedore Manifest and Transport Delivery Sheets/Cart Notes.
Many Overseas suppliers do not provide CWD’s, nor do they provide Packing Lists to EES Overseas Agents which is making this transition difficult. As such, we ask that you correspond with your overseas suppliers when you place next orders to enlighten them of the New Regulations. Please ask them to provide relevant NW & GW details to the EES Overseas agent when booking is made or prior to collection of the FULL LOADED Container. This important step is to avoid delays to your cargo, this can be by providing CWD or Packing list ,Make sure Cargo weight and any packing materials weight shows as “”NW” and they obtain Container Tare Weight and add together to obtain “”GW””
We are now asking that, in order for EES to ensure that your cargo is compliant with Western Australia Road Transport Laws, you instruct your suppliers of this need for new information.
Should there be any breaches of the law, with the correct net weight (NW) and gross weight (GW) details not being provided, transport companies will not be able to move containers from the wharf. This will, undoubtedly result in delays and additional costs. Please also note the penalties for such Road Traffic Breaches are very high.
Providing all parties can provide proof that they have taken all reasonable steps to gain NW and GW, we will not be prosecuted.
Should you have any questions regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact Geoff Hack.
