TruckSafe NZ is a new safety management system for New Zealand’s transport industry, helping operators reduce risk, boost compliance, and build a safer road freight sector
The transport industry in New Zealand now has a new benchmark for safety and operational excellence with the launch of TruckSafe NZ.
The comprehensive, industry-led, independently audited safety management system is designed to help heavy vehicle operators improve their safety culture, improve compliance, and reduce risk on the road.
With seven core components and 49 elements, TruckSafe NZ sets a high standard for fleet management, ensuring that operators not only meet but also exceed their safety obligations.
For owner-drivers, a streamlined version with four components and 24 elements ensures that they, too, can benefit from the system’s robust safety protocols. Many transport businesses already have some safety processes in place, but TruckSafe NZ provides a structured, independently verified framework to help them go further in protecting their people, vehicles, and the public.
The TruckSafe NZ is modelled on the highly successful TruckSafe programme in Australia, which has been operating for over 27 years. Studies have shown the programme’s effectiveness in improving road safety, with TruckSafe-accredited vehicles experiencing significantly fewer crashes than non-accredited ones. Research by Austroads (2008) found that these vehicles had between half and three-quarters fewer crashes, demonstrating the direct benefits of structured safety management. Additionally, insurance data analysis revealed that claims rates dropped by 57% within two years of TruckSafe accreditation, reinforcing the financial and safety advantages of the programme.
Why join TruckSafe?
TruckSafe provides a structured SMS that assists operators in meeting and exceeding their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the Land Transport Act 1998. By implementing the programme, businesses can identify, minimise, and eliminate risks, ensuring they fulfil their duty of care as a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking).
Beyond safety, TruckSafe delivers a competitive edge. Certified operators demonstrate a commitment to high operational standards, making them more attractive to customers, clients, and procurement contracts. The Australian experience has shown that TruckSafe-certified operators not only enjoy lower crash rates but also reduced insurance costs, making the programme a smart business decision.
Navigating transport regulations can be complex. TruckSafe simplifies compliance by providing practical tools and templates to help operators implement best practices efficiently. By offering a clear, structured framework, the programme removes uncertainty and sets out the steps needed to maintain compliance.
Supporting a safer road freight sector
The statistics surrounding truck-related crashes in New Zealand highlight the need for action. Trucks are involved in 19% of all fatal crashes on New Zealand roads, with the social cost of truck-related crashes between 2018 and 2022 estimated at $2.26 billion (Ministry of Transport, 2024). Furthermore, truck drivers were responsible for approximately 32% of the fatal crashes they were involved in. By adopting TruckSafe, operators can actively contribute to reducing these figures and creating a safer road transport environment.
TruckSafe NZ has been specifically tailored to New Zealand’s unique road freight sector. Developed with input from industry leaders and incorporating Te Ao Māori perspectives, the programme reflects the needs of local operators. It also leverages digital tools to streamline audits, making compliance more accessible and manageable. Rather than relying solely on enforcement and penalties, TruckSafe promotes a collaborative approach to industry safety, helping operators stay ahead of regulatory requirements.
TruckSafe NZ operates under the Transport Well New Zealand | Kawe Pai Aotearoa Charitable Trust (Transport Well), and aligns with the trust’s future-focused, whole-systems approach. With a strong foundation in evidence-based safety improvements and industry collaboration, TruckSafe NZ is set to become the elite standard for transport safety management. Whether you are an owner-driver or managing a large fleet, the benefits of certification are clear: fewer crashes, better compliance, lower costs, and a stronger business reputation. By joining TruckSafe, operators are not just improving their own businesses – they are making a meaningful contribution to the safety and sustainability of New Zealand’s transport sector.
Find out more today at trucksafe.net.nz, John Sansom programme manager 027 244 5221, info@trucksafe.net.nz.
TruckSafe NZ is an industry-led, independently audited safety management system designed to improve safety culture, compliance, and operational excellence in the transport industry. Operating under the Transport Well Charitable Trust, TruckSafe NZ aligns with the trust’s future-focused, whole-systems approach, ensuring industry-driven solutions that prioritise safety, efficiency, and sustainability. TruckSafe NZ provides a structured framework to help operators meet and exceed regulatory requirements while improving road safety outcomes.