Carrier Procedure Manual

PURPOSE

This Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Policy articulates Ofload’s commitment to ensuring compliance with chain of responsibility laws and the health and safety of all employees, the community and the environment.

BACKGROUND

CoR aims to make sure everyone in the supply chain shares equal responsibility for ensuring breaches of the Heavy Vehicle National Law do not occur. Under CoR laws, if you exercise (or have the capability of exercising) control or influence over any transport task, you are part of the supply chain and therefore have a responsibility to ensure the Heavy Vehicle National Law is complied with.Any person with an influence and/or control in the transport chain is a ‘party’ and includes, but is not limited to:
• Corporations, partnerships, unincorporated associations or other bodies corporate;
• Employers and the company directors;
• Prime contractors of drivers;
• An operator of a vehicle;
• Schedulers of goods or passengers for transport in or on a vehicle, and the scheduler of its driver;
• Consignors/consignees/receivers of the goods for transport;
• Loaders/unloaders of goods; or Loading manager’s (the person who supervises loading/unloading or manages the premises where this occurs).

SCOPE

Adherence to this policy is a condition of undertaking any transport activities through the Ofload platform.

OBJECTIVES

This Policy aims to ensure compliance with chain of responsibility laws under Australian legislation, incorporating:
• Vehicle mass, dimension;
• Driver fatigue;
• Speed;
• Load Restraint; and
• Vehicle roadworthiness

POLICY

Ofload, our employees, carriers and shippers (supply chain partners) have strict obligations under Chain of Responsibility legislation. Ofload will take all necessary steps to ensure we meet our obligations to employees, carriers, and shippers and conduct our operations safely and compliantly.

This shall be achieved by:
• ensuring all legislation concerning the Chain of Responsibility is strictly administered and reviewed, including (without limitation) by external chain of responsibility consultants;
• ensuring all employees are trained and provided with relevant information to equip all employees with the knowledge and capabilities to comply with chain of responsibility best practices and laws; • and having documented procedures and systems to cover all aspects of our operations involving the Chain of Responsibility.

VEHICLE MASS & DIMENSION

Ofload and its supply chain partners must jointly take all reasonable steps to ensure that any vehicle is loaded in accordance with the applicable legal mass limits of the vehicle – including its gross, axle and axle group mass limits. Additionally, when moving freight containers, Ofload and its supply chain partners must ensure the driver is in possession of a valid Container Weight Declaration. Loads must be within maximum legal height,length and width and within overhang limits, either generally or under any permit or notice.

DRIVER FATIGUE

Ofload and its supply chain partners must take all reasonable steps to ensure that drivers are not fatigued, are fit to work, their rosters and schedules are compliant, and work and rest are in accordance with applicable hours of work regime.

SPEED

Any carrier engaged by Ofload must take all reasonable steps to ensure that drivers do not commit a speeding offense, and if speed limiters are required to be fitted – ensure they are functioning properly. Ofload allocators are responsible for:

1. Allocators must take into account the following when setting schedules (speed limits, distances that must be travelled, maximum permitted work hours and minimum required rest breaks, weather, potential traffic delays, traffic conditions, road works).
2. Allocators are required to consult with Drivers and Chain of Responsibility Participants when setting schedules
3. Allocators are required to consult with other Chain of Responsibility Participants if any schedule or time limit requested for the delivery of goods is, or is likely to be unable to be achieved without Speeding
4. Allocators are required to have contingency plans for unexpected delays

LOAD RESTRAINT

Ofload and its supply chain partners must take all reasonable steps to ensure that all items placed in a trailer, or tray of a truck, must not be placed in a way that makes the vehicle unstable or unsafe and must be secured capable of withstanding forces of at least:80% of its weight in a forward direction;
• 50% of its weight in a sideward or rearward direction; and
• 20% of its weight in a vertical direction.
• Details of responsibilities, procedures and methods are provided for in the NTC Load Restraint guide:2018.

VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS

Any carrier engaged by Ofload must ensure that all vehicles are inspected and maintained in line with the original manufacturer’s requirements, a daily check of equipment in use is conducted, and faults are recorded, reported and repaired.

SANCTIONS IN THE EVENT OF BREACH OF THIS POLICY

Ofload may take disciplinary action against any supply chain partner who breaches this policy. The disciplinary action taken will be determined in the sole discretion of Ofload and may include:

1. Further training in this policy
2. Suspension from Ofload platform
3. Termination of any contract between Ofload and the breaching supply chain partner (shipper or carrier)

When engaging in providing service to Ofload, you acknowledge that you have a pallet management system in place and furthermore agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Pallet Policy. Terms & Conditions. 

It is the Carriers responsibility to ensure that: 

When accepting orders for transport; it’s familiar with the pallet requirement and is equipped in handling all CHEP & Loscam pallet transactions. 

Upon order collection and prior to delivery; a copy of the pallet docket has been received. Missing dockets and dockets with incorrect information must be communicated to Ofload prior to delivery. 

Proof of pickup - Upon order collection when produced with a pallet docket from the sender to Ofload/Digital Services;  it is only intended for proof of pickup purposes and does not make part of delivery note/POD paperwork. Any discrepancies in the pallet type and qty must be noted clearly on the pallet docket produced prior to you/your driver signing it. Ofload will not be responsible for differences between collected and delivered pallet quantity and type, any such variances arising due to non-compliance will be the responsibility of the carrier. 

For pallet transactions direct to the end receiver; upon delivery you must produce a copy of the pallet docket to the end receiver to sign and additionally retained and uploaded for POD purposes. Uploaded PODs which do not accompany the correct pallet docket and dockets without receiver signature will not be accepted and any pallets ‘lost’ due to missing paperwork will be the responsibility of the carrier. 

For deliveries to the end Receiver with PTA arrangement (Pallet Transfer Authority); upon delivery a copy of the pallet transfer authority docket has been received from the end receiver additionally retained/uploaded for POD purposes. 

For Pallet transactions between Ofload and the Carrier: Ofload will raise one transfer per order or per consolidated load for LTL orders. This includes orders for end receivers with and without CHEP and or Loscam accounts that require the carrier to either transfer or exchange pallets with the End Receivers upon delivery. Delay days may vary according to shipper terms.

The Carrier and Ofload agrees that any discrepancies are communicated with each party prior to making any corrections or rejections on the transfers. Continual rejection and correction of pallet transfers will result in breach of this policy. 

The Carrier must notify Ofload of any refusal of pallet exchange or discrepancy in quantities for exchange by the End Receiver at time of delivery and provide POD stating the discrepancy and signed by the end receiver. The exchange docket detailing the failed exchange attempt and signed/dated by the end receiver must be uploaded with the POD.

All pallets exchanged and in possession of you must be dehired off our account or returned to the shipper within 7 days of us requesting the return/dehire. Failure to comply with this may result in us applying a pallet loss fee or suspending your service and withholding freight payments until the matter is resolved to our satisfaction. 

Ofload will endeavour to raise and notify all transfers to CHEP and or Loscam within 14 days of order collection, in most cases same day or prior collection. 

1. The Freight Charge is agreed upon on a case-by-case basis for each Transport Order.

2. The Freight Charge is inclusive of all Carrier Transport Services and other applicable ancillary services outlined in the related Transport Order unless they are expressly marked as additionally chargeable or in a similar manner (eg "at cost" or "separately payable").

3. The Freight Charge includes all expenses incurred by you, in particular any road tolls or other road user charges and all foreseeable and normal services by you, in particular those of the loading and unloading, if agreed upon between you and the Shipper in the respective Transport Order, as well as the costs of the loading.

4. If any special expenses not anticipated at the time of formation of an Agreement, any charges for transport insurance or any other additional costs may be incurred, you must obtain approval from the Shipper before such expenses are incurred. Where such expenses are approved by the Shipper prior to being incurred, they will be incorporated into the Freight Charge.

1. In the event that we provide incorrect information in a Transport Order the following applies:

a) If the volume/weight is actually lower than stated in the Transport Order, you will receive the agreed Freight Charge.
b) If the volume/weight (mass)/dimensions are actually higher than stated in the Transport Order, where such amended volume/weight (mass)/dimensions are such that the Transport Order can still be carried out under any applicable Laws, you will receive the corresponding adjusted Freight Charge.
c) In case of an incorrect loading or delivery address, as well as the incorrect indication of a loading or delivery date, we will be responsible for the costs of a second delivery up to the amount of the actual costs (and limited to the amount of the Freight Charge in the applicable Transport Order).

2. In the case that you incorrectly process or execute a Transport Order, the following applies:

a) where you are unable to collect the Goods at the delivery times specified in the Transport Order and on first attempt (eg due to lack of space, lack of loading aids, etc.), you must remedy the situation by means of a second attempt (coordinated by us with the Shipper). In the event of a delay of pickup by more than three hours, we are entitled to organise a replacement Carrier at the expense of you; and
b) without limiting any other liability of you under these Terms, you are liable for damages to the Shipper, the Recipient and/or us arising due to a delayed collection or Delivery and indemnify us from and against any claims from the Shipper and/or the Recipient against us.

A carrier can claim demurrage if the waiting time exceeds times as per below and they arrive on time for their booking time slot for collection location or time slot for delivery location. The time starts from their booked time slot (not before if the carrier arrives early) To claim demurrage, the carrier must show evidence that demurrage occurred.

The evidence requested is:
• GPS data to show arrival and leaving times, or location data from using the Ofload App.
• Notify Ofload at time when waiting is exceeding the below included hours to give the opportunity to contact the site and see if we can rectify the delay.

Demurrage does not apply when the carrier attempts delivery after the requested delivery date without first notifying Ofload or the carrier arrives after requested delivery time/window without notifying Ofload.

Demurrage claims must be presented to Ofload within 48 hours for LTL deliveries and within 5 business days for FLT loads to be considered. Any demurrage claims received later than this will be rejected.

Demurrage cannot be assumed in advance, rather it must be reported within the times prescribed above with appropriate evidence of delay at site for.

Linehaul
• Single/Semi - 1.5hrs included, additional $20 per 15 min
• B-double - 2hrs included, additional $25 per 15 min

Metro FTL
Single/Semi - 1hr included, additional $20 per 15 min
• B-double - 1.5hrs, additional $25 per 15 min

Metro LTL
Rigid - 1hr included, additional $15 per 15 min

Introduction to Ofload

Ofload is a digital freight platform that connects shippers and carriers within a centralised supply chain ecosystem. Our mission is to enhance shipment visibility, eliminate inefficiencies, and reduce environmental impacts through innovative technology solutions.

Founded in 2020, our vision is to revolutionise the transport industry by tackling its most pressing inefficiencies, particularly in environmental sustainability. By working with hundreds of customers who move freight across Australia, we aim to remove empty miles in transport and minimise the environmental footprint of the industry.

To achieve this vision, we expect everyone who works with us to share our commitment to responsible business practices. This Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour and performance we expect from our suppliers and partners.

Ofload Values

At Ofload, our values define who we are and guide us in achieving excellence. These values represent how we work, innovate, and collaborate:

• Keep the Fleet Together: We stay in the same lane focusing on the best ideas for the business, independent of where the idea comes from.
• Innovate & Learn: We don’t have all the answers, sometimes we fail, but we are always willing to try & learn from our mistakes.
• Get Behind the Wheel: We are accountable, we empower and we focus on getting things done.
• Embrace Diversity: We trust each other and provide psychological safety at all times. We communicate candidly, are open minded and actively try to see each other's perspectives.
• Lighten the Load: We care about the people we work with on a human level. We treasure the small talk. We actively model and embrace different ways to build balance in our lives at and beyond work.


Social and Environmental Expectations

Labour and Human Rights

We believe that all workers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Suppliers must maintain a fair and ethical workplace, ensuring high standards of human rights are upheld. This includes:
Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining: Workers must have the freedom to associate, form or join unions, and engage in collective bargaining without interference or retaliation.
Fair Wages and Working Conditions: Suppliers must comply with all applicable laws regarding wages, working hours, and benefits. Workers must be paid on time, and wage deductions as a disciplinary measure are prohibited.
Anti-Discrimination: Suppliers must not engage in any form of discrimination based on age, disability, gender, race, religion, or other legally protected characteristics.
Prevention of Child Labour: Suppliers must comply with laws prohibiting child labour.
Modern Slavery: Suppliers must comply with all applicable modern slavery laws in conducting their business and working with Ofload.


Work Health & Safety

Safety is Ofload’s greatest priority.

Suppliers must provide a safe and healthy working environment, complying with all applicable workplace health and safety laws. Regular risk assessments and hazard controls must be in place, and workers must receive adequate training on health and safety procedures.


Heavy Vehicles - Chain of Responsibility

Suppliers must be committed to a safe and efficient transport function and be able to demonstrate compliance with Heavy Vehicle National Laws.

Suppliers should maintain best road transport industry practices at all times including without limitation in relation to queuing and scheduling, loading and unloading, vehicle safety, vehicle mass and dimension, speeding, driver behaviour and safety, driver fitness, driving hours and fatigue management and security.

Suppliers are responsible for implementing suitable processes, training, policies and procedures for ensuring legal compliance and safety in their operations and dealings with third parties involved in the carriage of freight in each State and Territory. Suppliers must not make or impose any demands or requirements on any supply chain participant that would cause any person to breach applicable road transport laws.


Anti-harassment

Suppliers are expected to commit to a workplace free from workplace bullying, harassment, victimisation and abuse. Suppliers are expected not to bully workers or threaten workers with, or subject them to, unlawful or inhumane treatment. This includes, but is not limited to, abuse and harassment which can be verbal, physical, sexual or psychological.


Environmental Responsibility

At Ofload, we are committed to minimising our environmental impact and working towards a more sustainable future. We expect our suppliers to align with our environmental goals and contribute to reducing carbon emissions by:
• Reducing Empty Miles: Suppliers should work to eliminate empty miles in road transport, a key factor in reducing emissions.
• Sustainable Practices: Suppliers should integrate environmentally responsible practices into their operations, such as optimising routes and investing in energy-efficient technologies.

Suppliers must ensure they comply with all applicable environmental laws in the conduct of their business and their work with Ofload.


Ethical Business Practices

Diversity & Inclusion

Ofload is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the transport industry. We strive to work with suppliers who actively promote diversity in their workplaces and support minority-owned businesses.

Business Governance and Integrity

Suppliers must maintain strong governance systems, including risk management processes, to address operational, environmental, labour, and human rights risks. In addition, suppliers are expected to:
Manage Critical Incidents: Identify potential risks to business continuity and develop response plans that prioritise life, safety, and environmental protection.
Prevent Conflicts of Interest: Any actual or potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed to Ofload. Ofload will review and determine appropriate action.
Prevent Bribery & Corruption: Suppliers must comply with anti-corruption laws and avoid any actions that could be perceived as attempts to improperly influence business decisions.
Ensure Fair Competition: Suppliers must adhere to all applicable competition and antitrust laws.


Compliance and Accountability

Suppliers are expected to regularly assess their compliance with this Code of Conduct and take corrective action when necessary. Ofload may request evidence of compliance, including records and documents that demonstrate adherence to the Code. Suppliers must notify Ofload of any suspected breaches, which will be investigated thoroughly by the Ofload Compliance Team.

All suppliers must have adequate policies and processes in place for properly managing subcontracting, to ensure that subcontractors operate in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and this Code.
By adhering to this Code, suppliers contribute to a sustainable and socially responsible supply chain, helping Ofload deliver on its mission to transform the transport industry.

If you have any concerns, please raise them with our team at hello@ofload.com


This Supplier Code of Conduct is a key element of our partnership with suppliers and serves as a foundation for responsible business practices.