GovWire

All loads carried on vehicles must be secure regardless of:

• what vehicle theyre on
• the size or type of the load
• the length of the journey

This protects:

• the people involved in loading, unloading and driving the vehicle
• other road users and pedestrians

The problems unsecured loads can cause

Unsecured loads can:

• affect the handling of the vehicle
• increase the braking distance
• increase the risk of a rollover

Items falling from the vehicle during the journey could:

• hit vehicles or pedestrians
• cause an obstruction in the road that causes other drivers to have to swerve or brake
• cause lane or full road closures

Everyone involved in loading a vehicle or managing a transport operation is responsible for making sure the load is:

• safely loaded
• secure during transport
• safely unloaded

Operators, drivers and companies sending goods (consignors) must:

• secure all loads carried on vehicles
• make sure loads are transported, loaded and unloaded safely

Watch a video about load securing roles and responsibilities

This short video explains the main roles and responsibilities in load securing, including:

• what operators, consignors and drivers are responsible for
• what the law says about load security
• assessing and managing risks during loading and unloading
• the benefits of using a load plan

Load securing: roles and responsibilities

If youre a vehicle operator, you must make sure vehicles are:

• suitable for the intended purpose
• safe to drive (roadworthy)
• driven by people who are qualified, trained and competent

If your drivers secure loads, you must provide them with:

• training
• equipment
• instructions

You must support drivers who raise concerns about the way goods are loaded or secured. You must not pressure them to take out a vehicle or trailer if they think its unsafe.

If you load vehicles

If youre a driver who loads vehicles you must make sure any equipment you use is:

• in serviceable condition
• strong enough to prevent the load from moving

If you do not load vehicles

If you can, you should check that the load is secure before you set off. You can ask for a copy of the load plan from the load consignor (the person or company putting the load on the vehicle) if one is available.

Report concerns about loading or load securing to your employer or load consignor. You should not proceed with a load if you have any doubts about its security.

During the journey

You should check load restraints regularly during the journey. This is particularly important when:

• using webbing lashings - these may lose tension over time
• transporting loads that are likely to settle - for example, sand or aggregate
• after any harsh braking or if you have to swerve to avoid something