NHVR 2026 Master Code Depot Checklist

The new 2026 Master Code fundamentally changes how Chain of Responsibility risks must be managed and documented to satisfy regulator expectations rather than just be good practice.

The 2026 Master Code is now officially published by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as a Registered Industry Code of Practice to support safety across the heavy vehicle industry. It sets out what parties in the Chain of Responsibility reasonably need to do to manage hazards and risks under the Heavy Vehicle National Law and helps bridge the gap between legal duty and everyday business decisions.

Key points you should treat as requirements, not just guidance:

• The Master Code is positioned as an auditable reference to demonstrate that risk controls, processes and decisions are reasonable and proportionate.

• It applies to all parties who control or influence heavy vehicle operations (planning, scheduling, loading, driver management, etc.).

• Practical guidance is provided for identifying hazards, assessing risk and implementing controls that align with Chain of Responsibility duties.

For immediate depot readiness, consider assembling evidence that shows your current state against the Master Code expectations:

• Chain of Responsibility registers documenting roles and responsibilities

• Dated loading manifests with weight details

• Weighbridge tickets and calibration certificates

• Pre‑trip and post‑trip defect sheets with signatures

• Driver competency and training records

• Photographic evidence of load restraint with original timestamps preserved

Store all original documents in a single Regulator‑Ready folder to support audits or compliance reviews.

This approach turns compliance from a static checklist into an evidence playbook that aligns with regulator expectations.

And, with compliance comes risk management, and with risk management comes a safe and productive workplace while the organisation meets duties imposed upon it.