The Master Code for Australia’s heavy vehicle industry has been updated for the first time since 2018, providing renewed guidance to help set a consistent benchmark for managing safety responsibilities across the supply chain, and reflecting the uplift of standards demonstrated across industry since 2018.
Released by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) in January 2026, the Code is designed as a practical guide to support businesses in understanding their Primary Duty, and executives in understanding their Executive Duty, under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
NTI’s Supply Chain Technical Manager Aaron Louws said the updated Code will play an important role in helping industry understand what is reasonably practicable when managing safety risks associated with transport activities.
“The law hasn’t changed, but the benchmark has. If a business controls or influences heavy vehicle transport activities then the updated Master Code is the single largest collection of reference material in Australia on how to manage those activities, associated hazards and risks.
Mr Louws said the updated Code also provides clearer and more relevant guidance for businesses beyond the traditional road transport sector.
“The Master Code applies to industries outside traditional transport, including manufacturing, construction, mining, retail and logistics,” he said.
“If you send or receive freight, outsource transport, or impose requirements that affect delivery times or loading practices, the Code provides guidance on what you can do to balance safety, productivity and compliance.”
One of the key updates is the Code’s framework, moving away from role-based obligations to activities, prompting businesses to consider a broader range of things that they do, that might impact their heavy vehicle operations.
Mr Louws encouraged businesses to identify which transport activities apply to them, review existing controls, and document how risks are managed.
“You don’t have to implement every control in the Code, but you should be prepared to explain that what you’re choosing to do is equally as effective for your business at managing the risk.”
NTI’s CoRsafe is supporting industry through a range of free resources as part of its Road to the Code series, including a webinar on 18 February aimed at helping businesses understand what the updates mean in practice.
“This is about being aware of the changes and how they impact you so you can take appropriate action,” he said.
The Master Code applies in all jurisdictions except Western Australia and the Northern Territory.