TruckSafe New Zealand Launches: A Game-Changer For Heavy Vehicle Safety And Compliance

A major step forward in heavy vehicle safety and professionalism has arrived with the official launch of TruckSafe New Zealand, a Safety Management System (SMS) designed to lift standards across the entire transport and logistics sector. TruckSafe now invites heavy vehicle operators - of all sizes and across all sectors - to join the TruckSafe programme and work towards formal certification.

A Proven System Delivering Measurable Results

Based on the successful TruckSafe programme in Australia, which has been improving industry safety for over 27 years, TruckSafe New Zealand provides a structured framework to help operators minimise risks, lower crash rates, and reduce costs. Studies show that TruckSafe-certified operators experience significantly fewer crashes and insurance claims - delivering both safety and financial benefits. In fact, Australian research found a 57% reduction in claims in the two years following TruckSafe certification, thanks to the adoption of stronger management structures and proactive safety practices.

Backed by decades of proven success across the Tasman, TruckSafe is now available to all operators, including single vehicle owner-drivers (SVODs) - making it more inclusive and accessible than any previous safety programme of its kind.

To ensure the integrity and consistency of the certification process, TruckSafe New Zealand audits are conducted by independent experts from Avid Plus, using Audit Compliance Solutions technology. With years of experience auditing Government programmes and ACC’s Fleet Saver, Avid Plus are the most qualified auditing partner for the job, providing professional, evidence-based assessments to support continuous improvement.

“TruckSafe arrives at a critical time for New Zealand’s transport industry,” said David Boyce, CEO of the NZ Trucking Association and TruckSafe New Zealand Director. “With ACC’s Fleet Saver programme no longer available to new applicants, and growing pressure on operators to improve critical risk management, TruckSafe fills a much-needed gap - offering practical, scalable tools that help operators of any size demonstrate compliance and improve their workplace safety.”

A Sector in Urgent Need of Change

With over 343 fatal crashes and more than 2,600 injury crashes involving trucks between 2018 - 2022, the stakes for New Zealand’s road freight industry are high. The Ministry of Transport estimates the social cost of these crashes exceeds $2.26 billion, while WorkSafe and ACC data show a growing toll on the workforce and the economy.

Recent regulatory shifts, including increased focus on PCBU responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, and the introduction of the Worker Protection Act 2023, signal a stronger enforcement approach, especially toward senior executives.

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