Recent spike in log truck & trailer rollovers

Recent industry discussions and safety incident data have highlighted a concerning increase in log truck and trailer rollover events across New Zealand. Industry leaders, Forest Owners, Transport Operators, and the Log Transport Safety Council (LTSC) have acknowledged that this trend requires immediate attention and action.

While every rollover has its own circumstances, the industry continues to see common contributing factors including:

• High payloads and over height loads reducing margins for error – with more operators carting on 54 and 58 tonne permits
• Excessive speed for conditions.
• Driver distraction and mobile phone use.
• Fatigue and work pressure.
• Increased cost pressure from rising diesel prices.
• Road and weather conditions.
• Infrastructure not fit for purpose
• Driver competency and experience.
• Inadequate monitoring and compliance systems.
• Poor load distribution and load security.

These events not only place drivers at risk but also threaten the safety of other road users, damage equipment and infrastructure, and compromise the forest industry’s social licence to operate. Seven of the twelve recent rollover events reportedly occurred on public highways, highlighting the importance of safe transport practices both inside and outside the forest gate.

Our industry has done significant work over the past 10 years to reduce rollovers and protect road users. It is important that we maintain high standards, continue to improve, and avoid any deterioration in safety performance.

The Log Transport Safety Accord – Everyone Has a Responsibility

The Log Transport Safety Accord and the Log Transport Safety Improvement Plan provide a framework for maintaining and raising safety standards across the industry.

The Accord recognises that safety is a shared responsibility. Forest Owners, Harvesting Contractors, Loading Operators, Transport Companies, Drivers, and Logistics Managers all have overlapping duties of responsibility to ensure loads are safe, legal, and fit for transport. A failure at any point in the supply chain can contribute to a serious event.

Key Actions for Industry

Forest Owners and Logistics Managers

• Select transport providers that can demonstrate active engagement with industry best practice, including relevant LTSC Industry Standards, the Operator Certification Programme, safety improvement initiatives, and other applicable forestry transport codes, standards, and guidance.
• Consider the wider safety implications when evaluating transport rates and payload expectations.
• Ensure forest infrastructure is suitable for the vehicle weights and configurations being used.
• Actively support transparent rollover and near-miss reporting.

Transport Operators

• Verify all drivers are competent and trained for the roads they are expected to drive, payloads carried, and vehicle configurations they operate.
• Review rollover history and identify recurring trends.
• Ensure monitoring systems, cameras, and compliance controls are functioning effectively.
• Promote a culture of Empowerment where drivers can stop work if conditions are unsafe.
• Share rollover event reports and learnings.

Drivers

• Wear seatbelts at all times.
• Eliminate distractions, including mobile phone use while driving.
• Adjust speed and driving technique for weather, road conditions, and load characteristics.
• Report hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly.
• Ensure load height and load security comply with Industry Standards.
• Remember that every additional tonne reduces the margin for error.

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Source: Log Transport Safety Council (LTSC)