Checklist · Vehicle & Fleet
Ute & Light Vehicle Load Restraint Check
Quick check for tradies before driving off with materials, tools or equipment on a ute tray, tub, roof rack or trailer. Covers payload, load placement, tie-downs, overhang and visibility, in line with the national Load Restraint Guide.
31 checklist items · Last reviewed
Checklist Items
| Item | Pass / Yes | Fail / No |
|---|---|---|
| VEHICLE & LOAD DETAILS | ||
| Date | ||
| Vehicle Registration | ||
| Driver Name | ||
| Load Description (e.g. timber, ladders, pipe, plant) | ||
| Estimated Load Mass (kg) | ||
| VEHICLE CAPACITY | ||
| Load mass within vehicle payload / GVM | Pass | Fail |
| Roof rack load within rack and vehicle roof rating | Pass | Fail |
| Towball download and trailer mass within ratings (if towing) | Pass | Fail |
| LOAD PLACEMENT | ||
| Heavy items placed low and forward against headboard | Pass | Fail |
| Load evenly distributed side to side | Pass | Fail |
| Loose items (offcuts, fixings, tools) removed or contained | Pass | Fail |
| Gas cylinders upright, restrained and ventilated (not in cab) | Pass | Fail |
| Fuel containers restrained and capped | Pass | Fail |
| RESTRAINT EQUIPMENT | ||
| Ratchet straps / ropes rated and free of cuts, fraying or UV damage | Pass | Fail |
| Ratchets and hooks undamaged | Pass | Fail |
| Anchor / tie-down points sound and suitable | Pass | Fail |
| Edge protectors used on sharp-edged loads | Pass | Fail |
| Cargo net or tarp fitted for loose or light materials | Pass | Fail |
| RESTRAINT CHECK | ||
| Load restrained against forward, rearward and sideways movement | Pass | Fail |
| Long items (ladders, pipe) tied at front and rear | Pass | Fail |
| Tailgate closed or secured, or load restrained independently | Pass | Fail |
| Straps re-tensioned; loose tails tied off | Pass | Fail |
| DIMENSIONS & VISIBILITY | ||
| Load does not exceed legal width or overhang limits | Pass | Fail |
| Rear overhang marked with flag or light as required | Pass | Fail |
| Number plate and lights not obscured | Pass | Fail |
| Driver vision and mirrors not blocked | Pass | Fail |
| DURING TRIP | ||
| Load and straps rechecked after first few kilometres | Yes | No |
| Load rechecked after each stop where load disturbed | Yes | No |
| SIGN-OFF | ||
| Issues found and action taken | ||
| Load safe to transport | Yes | No |
| Driver Signature | ||