- CoR makes the consignor, packer, loader, scheduler, operator and driver all responsible.
- Each party has a primary duty under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
- Fines for executives can reach $300,000+ for category 1 offences.
- A documented CoR policy, training and incident process is the minimum defence.
Why CoR exists
Historically the truck driver wore every fine — even when an overloaded pallet was packed by someone else. CoR rebalanced that. Today, anyone who has influence over how a load is dispatched, packed, scheduled or driven shares legal responsibility for compliance.
Who is in the chain?
The HVNL names 10 parties: employers, prime contractors, operators, schedulers, consignors, consignees, packers, loaders, unloaders and drivers. If you make a decision that affects mass, dimension, load restraint, speed or fatigue, you are in the chain.
Your primary duty
Every party must do what is reasonably practicable to ensure safety. That means identifying risks (e.g. unrealistic delivery windows that encourage speeding), implementing controls, and reviewing them after incidents or audits.
Building a workable CoR program
The basics: a written CoR policy, induction training for every team that touches freight, documented loading and dispatch procedures, an incident reporting flow, and regular toolbox talks. Auditable records are what get you across the line if NHVR comes knocking.
What drivers can do
Refuse unsafe loads. Log fatigue issues honestly. Report mass or restraint concerns in writing — text or email is fine. A driver who documents the issue and reports it has the strongest legal position in a post-incident investigation.