The Australian grain industry is heavily reliant on land transport for its viability. Transport is a critical component of the grain supply chain. Getting grain to market quickly and safely, whether this be local storage, grain processor, packing facility or export terminal, is in the interests of farmers, grain users, grain handlers and grain transporters.
The process of road transport reform across Australia has introduced laws that impose duties and responsibilities on all parties in the road transport chain to take reasonable steps to prevent noncompliance with the heavy vehicle laws. This includes those consigning, loading, packing and receiving goods that are transported by heavy vehicles. The purpose of these laws is to raise industry standards and thus reduce the possibility of breaches of the law occurring.
Grain Trade Australia (GTA) have developed the Grain Transport Code of Practice (Transport Code) as an important tool to assist participants transport grain to their designated markets quickly, safely and within the relevant laws. It is critical that the Transport Code address the transport task in a holistic sense covering all parties’ responsibilities to ensure success.