Loading performance standards

This page outlines the loading performance standards under Schedule 7 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL).

The loading performance standards set out the minimum amount of force a load restraint system must be able to withstand in each direction. These forces are what a heavy vehicle typically experiences when accelerating, cornering, and braking.

Image of loading guide performance

A load on a heavy vehicle must be restrained by a load restraint system that:

  • prevents the load from moving in relation to the heavy vehicle, other than the examples below and
  • is capable of withstanding the forces outlined below.

A load may move in relation to the heavy vehicle if the vehicle’s stability and weight distribution are not impacted by the movement and the load does not become dislodged from the vehicle.

Examples of load movement that may be covered include:

  • a load contained within the sides or enclosure of the heavy vehicle that is restrained from moving horizontally may be able to move vertically
  • a load of very light objects, or a loose bulk load, that is contained within the sides or enclosure of the heavy vehicle may be able to move horizontally and vertically
  • a bulk liquid load contained within the sides or enclosure of the heavy vehicle

The performance standards are:

  • 0.8g or 80% of the weight of the load forwards
  • 0.5g or 50% of the weight of the load sideways and rearwards
  • 0.2g or 20% of the weight of the load upwards (If relying on friction to withstand the force in other directions).

A load restraint system is taken to comply with the above if—

  • a mass or dimension exemption is in force for the vehicle for the journey; and
  • the vehicle complies with the mass or dimension exemption; and
  • an engineer has given a certificate—
    • describing the load restraint system; and
    • certifying that the load restraint system is suitable to safely restrain the load, taking into consideration the nature of the load and the conditions reasonably expected to be experienced during the journey; and
  • the driver of the vehicle keeps a copy of the engineer’s certificate in the driver’s possession during the journey.

More information can be found at Loading Guide - Performance Standards | NHVR