1. Chain of Responsibility (CoR)

All parties who influence, direct or control transport operations share responsibility for safe and legal transport — even without a direct driving role. This is established under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

Every party in the chain must do all that is reasonably practicable to minimise risk across six pillars:

• Fatigue — preventing driver fatigue
• Speed — complying with all speed limits
• Mass — not exceeding legal mass limits
• Dimension — staying within legal vehicle dimensions
• Load Restraint — securing all loads properly
• Vehicle Maintenance — keeping vehicles roadworthy at all times

Failure to discharge CoR obligations can result in significant fines, loss of licence, and criminal liability for all parties in the chain — not just the driver.

2. Fatigue Management

You must not drive while impaired by fatigue. If you feel fatigued, stop safely, report your symptoms to your coordinator, and take a rest break. The only cure for fatigue is sleep — caffeine, music and fresh air are not substitutes.

Standard hours rest requirements — solo heavy vehicle driver:

A fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle has a GVM over 12 tonnes. A work diary (logbook) is required when driving such a vehicle 100 km or more from base, or when operating under BFM or AFM.

3. Speed Management

Always comply with posted speed limits and all road rules. Speeding and speedometer tampering are offences under the HVNL and carry severe penalties.

• Reduce speed for conditions — rain, fog, road works, heavy traffic
• Report scheduling problems, road works, accidents and delays to your coordinator immediately
• Never speed to meet a deadline — unreasonable schedules are not a legal defence
• If you are pressured to speed or exceed hours to meet a schedule, refuse and report it immediately

Consignors, schedulers and managers who set unreasonable deadlines may also be held liable under CoR. Report any such pressure without hesitation.

4. Mass, Dimension & Load Restraint

Mass: Never exceed legal gross or axle mass limits. Weigh or calculate your loaded mass before departure. A Container Weight Declaration (CWD) is required before moving any freight container.

Dimension: Keep within legal height, width, length and overhang limits. Always ensure your loaded height clears all bridges and overhead wires on your planned route.

Load Restraint:

• Restrain all loads to prevent movement, falling or instability — per the NTC Load Restraint Guide
• Never use tarpaulins or curtains as the sole means of restraint
• Re-check and re-secure loads during multi-drop deliveries when freight is removed
• The driver retains authority to refuse or adjust an unsafe load — no customer or employer instruction overrides this right

5. Vehicle Maintenance

All vehicles must remain roadworthy and compliant with heavy vehicle standards at all times.

• Complete a pre-operational safety checklist before each shift, covering: engine, brakes, lights, tyres, mirrors, and safety equipment
• Maintain a Vehicle Register / Maintenance Log with servicing conducted at least yearly
• Report defects or vehicle damage immediately — do not continue driving a vehicle with a known safety defect

6. Drugs & Alcohol — Zero Tolerance

INOV8IVE operates a zero-tolerance policy for driving or working under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This includes some prescription and over-the-counter medications that can impair function.

• Police may conduct roadside drug and alcohol testing at any time and without notice
• Any positive result, or evidence of impairment, will lead to immediate investigation and termination of engagement
• If you have been prescribed medication that may affect your ability to drive, discuss this with your manager before your next driving shift

7. Licences & Documentation

You must hold the correct and valid licence class for the vehicle you are operating, and carry it at all times while driving.

• Notify your supervisor immediately if your licence is lost, suspended or cancelled — failure to do so will result in termination of engagement
• Maintain and hand in work diary / logbook pages weekly
• Keep completed logbooks for a minimum of 3 years
• Never falsify logbook entries — this is a criminal offence under the HVNL

8. Reporting & Code of Conduct

You must report immediately any of the following to your INOV8IVE coordinator:

• Any condition affecting your ability to drive safely
• Licence changes, infringements or fines received
• Delivery delays, breakdowns, accidents or injuries
• Vehicle damage — even minor cosmetic damage
• A near miss counts as a reportable incident and must be reported just like an accident

Treat all colleagues and members of the public with respect and professionalism at all times. Harassment and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in immediate termination.