Different jurisdictions have varying transportations laws. And the private sector must support these regulations to keep customers and service providers safe.
Both sectors must establish accreditation programs that transport owners, including truck operators, must adhere to in achieving these objectives. In Australia, for instance, the Truck Safe accreditation system is a mechanism to support government efforts in ensuring top-quality performance and safety. Here’s what you should know about this program.
What Is Truck Safe Accreditation?
More often known as Truck Safe, this program is an industry-sector-driven business management system that reduces risks associated with truck operations, both on and off the road. It also aims to promote professionalism in the trucking industry.
The Truck Safe accreditation requires regular audits and frequent training from its members to maintain their status as a safe and quality standards management system. A Truck Safe certification serves as a seal of excellence in safety and professional transport services. However, it doesn’t replace but rather complements other government safety and quality programs.
Aren’t Government Regulations Enough?
In pushing for better compliance among industry players, Truck Safe monitors the standard practices implemented by trucking companies. Duly recognized members are expected to establish systems that ensure proper concurrence to Australian transport laws. It works to complement the following regulations:
- National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS): This government-initiated accreditation program aims to increase operational efficiency by promoting flexibility in a trucking company’s management systems. Truck Safe accreditation enters the picture by helping members establish the correct procedures in place, focusing not only on vehicle and road safety but workplace security, as well.
- Chain of Responsibility Laws (CoR): CoR laws oblige parties involved in the supply chain to maintain safety and accountability. A Truck Safe-accredited company is expected to reduce incidents of CoR violations. As such, consumers are assured of high-quality service if they’re dealing with accredited transport companies.
- Master Code Compliance: The Master Code serves as a safety and compliance framework for the industry. It contains standards and procedures that help supply chain sector members fulfill their obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
Truck Safe accreditation is fully compliant with the Master Code and other relevant laws in the transport sector. By choosing accredited companies, customers can rest assured that the products being transported are safe and handled according to national guidelines in your respective country or state.
What Are The Key Standards For Truck Safe Accreditation?
As with other recognition programs, this accreditation system is hinged on core business practices applicable to trucking companies. The program looks at the following components:
- Business management: To promote professionalism, members must have a system that supports the business processes standards set by the sector.
- Risk management: Entities must establish risk management practices in multiple safety laws applicable to trucks to support government regulations.
- Drivers’ well-being: The process also looks at the company measures to ensure that workers stay healthy and that the drivers have favorable working conditions.
- Speed regulation compliance: Driving a truck carries elevated risks of road hazards. Truck Safe accredited companies then will have to comply with government laws on managing speed and overall road safety precautions.
- Fatigue management: Truck handling is not an easy job, and being a driver is considered one of the most high-risk jobs in Australia. Drivers are prone to exhaustion, which can lead to road accidents. Thus, there are laws to manage drivers’ fatigue, as stipulated in the HVNL and Master Code.
- Loading management: The abovementioned laws also cover mass, dimension, loading, and load restraint management, where vehicles are subject to specific load limitations to ensure that they maintain their appearance and couldn’t negatively impact vehicle operations.
- Vehicle management: This core component focuses on the company’s compliance with vehicle maintenance, with Master Code and HVNL as bases for monitoring and evaluation.
- Animal welfare: Reserved for livestock handlers, this optional module ensures that companies are compliant with applicable laws in various parts of Australia, including the Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines.
How Does Truck Safe Accreditation Assure Compliance?
The need for compliance monitoring remains strong even as new technologies for safer transportation are being developed. As such, Truck Safe has independent auditors who thoroughly evaluate members and aspiring members on the critical components mentioned earlier, including business and risk management, compliance to existing laws, and promoting employees’ welfare. These third-party audit reports can be used to prove compliance to other businesses and government agencies that may require this document before initiating partnerships and contracts.
Besides external audits, the Truck Safe Industry Accreditation Council (TIAC) continually oversees the entire accreditation process and proactively ensures that operators meet the minimum standards.
Wrap Up
No matter the regulations applicable in an area, a Truck Safe accreditation helps businesses establish standards, enforce compliance, and ensure safety in their truck business operations. Hence, a Truck Safe accreditation can benefit companies by achieving operational efficiency and competitive advantage.
This accreditation helps truck companies provide fast and safe service for consumers without compromising quality. With proper mechanisms to ensure risk reduction, mitigation, and optimal safety, consumers can rest assured their goods and businesses are on the right track.
The post What Customers Need To Know About Truck Safe Accreditation appeared first on Enterprise Podcast Network - EPN.
