The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released the 2026 Master Code, an industry-driven guide designed to support safer heavy vehicle operations and help parties in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) meet their obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
Building on the 2018 Code, the 2026 update reflects two years of consultation across the heavy vehicle supply chain and introduces a shift from a role-based to an activity-based approach, recognising that safety risks arise from what people do, not their job title.
NHVR Acting Chief Safety and Productivity Officer Kelli Walker said, “The revised Master Code is not about introducing new rules or red tape. It provides practical guidance informed by the collective experience of industry, regulators and operators.”
The HVNL sets out legal requirements such as limits on driving hours, axle loads and vehicle dimensions, as well as a Primary Duty requiring all parties to ensure safety so far as is reasonably practicable. The updated Code supports this duty by identifying risks associated with transport activities and outlining practical ways to prevent harm in day-to-day operations.
A summary of what changed in the Master Code follows:
2018 Code:
- Structured around roles in the CoR (e.g., consignor, loader, scheduler, driver).
- Guidance organised by these defined parties.
2026 Code:
- Activity-based structure: Organises all guidance around 45 distinct transport activities (e.g., recruitment, procurement, loading, premises management, vehicle maintenance, scheduling), not roles.
- Reflects real operational practice and a proactive risk management approach.
Practical Impact:
- Businesses can quickly find guidance relevant to actual activities on site, not just job roles.
- Encourages a more holistic and proactive approach to safety.
The 2026 Master Code closely aligns with GTA’s Grain Industry Transport Code of Practice, providing members with a practical tool to move grain safely, efficiently, and in compliance with the law.
