About the code of practice

Who the code of practice is for, what it sets out to do, and how it's worded.

About this code of practice

When you transport goods in a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), trailer, van or car, you need to make sure they are loaded, transported and unloaded safely.

This code of practice gives you guidance to help you with your responsibilities to: 

  • decide the right way to transport goods safely 
  • load and unload vehicles safely

Who the code of practice is for

It’s for: 

  • vehicle operators (whether you hold an operator licence or not) 
  • drivers 
  • companies loading vehicles (‘consignors’)

What the code of practice is for

Although this code of practice is not a legal document, the guidance can help you to comply with the law on: 

  •  transporting loads safely  
  •  safe loading and unloading 

There could be another way you could secure the load that is also acceptable. It’s your responsibility to assess the risks of your own operation and follow the law.

The code of practice is not used as a guide to enforcement action

If Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiners and the police find an insecure load, they will use the categorisation of vehicle defects to decide what action to take. They will not use this code of practice as a guide to enforcement action.

Terms used in this guide

In this guide, a vehicle can also mean a trailer or any vehicle combination.

Following this guidance is only compulsory where it says you “must” or “must not” do something, but we strongly recommend that you follow all the guidance.