The 2025 Load Restraint Guide. What’s Changed and Why it Matters.

Jun 13

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released the 2025 edition (Edition 4) of the Load Restraint Guide (LRG), replacing the 2018 version formerly published by the National Transport Commission (NTC).

While the changes are minor, they reflect a step toward improved clarity, usability, and alignment with current practices. This update does not alter the legal or technical requirements for restraining loads – which is good news for the industry.

Aaron Louws, Supply Chain Technical Manager at CoRsafe takes a closer look at the new guide to unpack what’s changed and how this update represents a great opportunity to review and refresh knowledge.

In Brief – What You Need to Know

Why the guide was updated

The NHVR has taken over the stewardship of the LRG from the NTC, using this opportunity to improve clarity, fix some minor inconsistencies, and modernise the document’s look and structure.

What has changed

The updates are mostly editorial and visual: rebranding under NHVR, clearer diagrams, minor grammar fixes, revised page numbers, and a consistent reference to conveyor belt friction as “low”. Some outdated standards are also flagged as withdrawn.

What you need to know

There are no changes to performance standards or legal requirements. The 2018 guide is still valid. If your current procedures and practices were compliant with the 2018 LRG, then they meet the 2025 LRG.

Practical takeaway

Take this opportunity to download the 2025 guide, update your internal references, use it for refresher training, and reassure staff and clients that current practices remain valid.

What’s Changed in the Load Restraint Guide 2025?

Rebranding to NHVR

The guide is now officially under the stewardship of the NHVR, having previously been managed by the NTC. This includes refreshed logos, styling, and formatting – aligning the guide with NHVR’s wider regulatory role.

Updated Diagrams and Layout

Edition 4 features new and revised illustrations to improve how load restraint methods are communicated visually. The diagrams are intended to be clearer and more practical, making the guide easier to interpret.

Cosmetic and Editorial Refinements

These adjustments improve readability and internal consistency without altering intent or meaning and include:

Minor spelling and grammar corrections
Clarified wording to remove ambiguities
Corrected inconsistencies between images, formulas, and tables
Page number changes from page 267 onward (notably in Appendices)

Updated Friction Descriptions

The friction level for conveyor belt material has been clarified and consistently referred to as “low”. This aligns with industry practice and does not impact calculations in most existing load restraint plans.

Withdrawn Australian Standards Noted

The guide now acknowledges that some referenced Australian Standards have been withdrawn, such as:

AS/NZS 4384 (anchor points for internal cargo)
AS 4142.1 & 4142.2 (fibre ropes)

These are flagged as obsolete, but using equipment that was compliant under these standards is still acceptable. It simply ensures you're aware these standards no longer appear in active registers.

What Hasn’t Changed?

✅ Legal Load Restraint Requirements

The core safety thresholds remain unchanged:

0.8g forward
0.5g sideways
0.5g rearward
0.2g vertical

If you were compliant under the 2018 guide, you remain compliant under the 2025 edition. The NHVR confirms that Edition 3 (2018) is still valid and legally recognised.

✅ Your Existing CoRsafe Load Restraint Guides

CoRsafe-produced LRGs tailored for specific businesses do not need to be revised. The updates are not substantive enough to affect bespoke procedures or policies derived from the 2018 guide.

Who Should Care About the Updates?

Transport & Fleet Managers

Even though the changes are minor, managers should ensure staff are aware of the update and that internal documents reference the latest edition. Using the updated guide shows diligence and attention to safety standards.

Drivers and Loaders

The clearer diagrams can help you better interpret and apply restraint techniques. While no changes are needed for how you secure loads, using the latest guide as a reference ensures safer, more consistent outcomes.

Safety & CoR Officers

Those responsible for Chain of Responsibility (CoR) compliance should update:

Training content
Toolbox talk visuals
Safety documents that reference outdated standards

The 2025 edition provides stronger visuals and fewer ambiguities, improving staff engagement and compliance understanding.

Practical Steps to Take Now

Here’s how to get the most value out of the new guide without unnecessary disruption:

1. Download the New Edition

Access the full 2025 Load Restraint Guide via NHVR: 📄 LRG Edition 4 – NHVR Website

The 2018 edition is still recognised, but using the updated version promotes consistency and clarity.

2. Educate Your Team

Use this opportunity to:

Reinforce best practices
Highlight clearer illustrations
Reassure staff that no new compliance burden has been introduced

3. Update Documentation

Check and revise:

References to “NTC 2018 LRG” → now “NHVR 2025 LRG” (or “Latest LRG Edition” to avoid updating again)
Obsolete standards in use (note they are withdrawn)

Where appropriate, you could also replace figures used internally with updated diagrams from the 2025 version to keep them looking refreshed.

4. Review Your Load Restraint Gear

It’s also a great reminder to conduct a quick audit of your load restraint gear (this often isn’t done enough):

Are your straps, ropes, or dunnage still serviceable?
Are items correctly labelled and compliant with performance ratings?
Are you using the right type of equipment for the job?

This is an easy way to reaffirm your procedures are working properly.

5. Communicate with Clients and Partners

If you’re a consignor or transport operator, it’s good practice to inform your supply chain that you're now referring to the 2025 LRG. A simple mention assures partners you’re across and committed to continued safety and legal compliance.

Looking Ahead: Expect Further Updates

The NHVR has indicated that this release is part of a broader, ongoing review process. Feedback is being collected, and a discussion paper has already been released, hinting at more frequent reviews than we’ve seen recently (14 years and 7 years respectively). Staying informed now means fewer surprises later.

Sources like Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) also suggest that future versions may include more substantial overhauls based on technology trends and consultation feedback.

In Summary – Stay the Course with an Improved Guide

The 2025 Load Restraint Guide is a refined, clearer version of what the industry already knows. For CoRsafe clients and the broader supply chain, the message is simple:

Keep doing what you’re doing – just use the latest guide as a way to reinforce those practices.

You don’t need to re-write your procedures or invest in new training. By embracing the updated guide, you can signal a commitment to safety, clarity, and best practice. That’s good for compliance – and for peace of mind.

This guide contains general information only and you should obtain your own professional advice based on your personal and business circumstances. LSS bears no responsibility, and shall not be held liable, for any loss, damage or injury arising directly or indirectly from your use of or reliance on the information in this guide.

CoRsafe Team