In New Zealand’s high-risk and fast-moving transport industry, the need for consistent, verified safety standards has never been greater. That’s why we’re calling on organisations – public or private, large or small – to include TruckSafe certification as a requirement in their procurement and tender documentation.

This simple-but-powerful change ensures that your transport partners are not only legally compliant, but also committed to continuous improvement, sound business practices and the wellbeing of their people and communities.

Too often, health and safety is reduced to a tick-box exercise – enough paperwork to pass an audit, but little impact on real-world outcomes. TruckSafe challenges that mindset by setting a higher standard – transparent, independently audited and tailored specifically to the transport sector.

It’s not about adding red tape – it’s about protecting people, reducing risk and building better systems that genuinely improve safety and efficiency across the supply chain.

What is TruckSafe?

TruckSafe is a safety management system (SMS) developed by the industry, for the industry. It provides a clear, practical framework to help transport businesses meet – and exceed – their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, while promoting long-term operational sustainability and professionalism.

Aligned with Tōtika

A major milestone for TruckSafe was achieving 100% alignment with Tōtika, New Zealand’s national health and safety pre-qualification framework. This means TruckSafe-certified operators already meet the same recognised standard used by many of New Zealand’s largest commercial clients and government agencies.

For procurement teams, it simplifies the selection process. For contractors, it removes the burden of duplicate audits. For clients, it offers peace of mind that their transport providers are up to standard – every time.

Why specify TruckSafe?

When TruckSafe certification is included in procurement criteria, businesses gain more than just a safety tick – they get a strategic partner in risk reduction and brand protection.

Benefits include:

• Confidence in your transport providers – all TruckSafe operators are independently audited to high standards of safety and professionalism.
• Reduced risk – certified businesses actively manage key risks, such as driver fatigue, maintenance and compliance gaps.
• Simplified procurement and auditing – alignment with Tōtika streamlines processes across multiple suppliers.
• Reputation protection – working with certified operators reflects a commitment to doing things right.
• Support for industry-wide improvement – every contract that specifies TruckSafe helps raise the standard for everyone.

TruckSafe is more than a set of policies – it represents a genuine safety-first culture that reaches from the workshop floor to the boardroom. Certified companies are supported with practical tools, templates and coaching to embed sustainable systems that deliver real-world results.

Participating operators demonstrate leadership, worker engagement and a willingness to be held accountable through regular independent audits. Certification shows that safety isn’t just spoken about – it’s lived.

Industry-led, independently governed

TruckSafe is governed by the not-for-profit Transport Well Charitable Trust, ensuring independence, transparency, and long-term credibility. It is not a government programme or commercial consultancy, it’s a solution developed by the transport industry, for the transport industry. The New Zealand Trucking Association strongly supports TruckSafe and is available if anyone needs help.

As more organisations adopt TruckSafe, it’s creating a network of trusted operators who stand out in a crowded marketplace – raising the bar for everyone.

Including TruckSafe certification in your next contract or tender sends a powerful message: We value safety. We value professionalism. And we expect the same from our partners.