Transport operators, depots, terminal operators, exporters, importers, customs brokers and freight forwarders all have a duty to ensure the safety of their transport activities.
If you consign, pack, load or receive goods as part of your business, you could be held legally liable for breaches of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) even though you have no direct role in driving or operating a heavy vehicle.
In addition, corporate entities, directors, partners and managers are accountable for the actions of people under their control. This is the Chain of Responsibility (COR). From 1 October 2018, the maximum penalties for CoR breaches are up to $300,000 for an individual and $3 million for companies, plus possible prison terms of up to five years.
The aim of CoR is to make sure everyone in the supply chain takes all reasonable steps to ensure that breaches of the HVNL do not occur in relation to allowable weights, vehicle dimensions, load restraint, driver fatigue, vehicle speed and maintenance.
Source credit: Freight and Trade Alliance
