“The RLSC code of conduct is designed to ensure that all participants are aware of their responsibilities in the supply chain when they control or influence the safe and legal carriage of freight.”

The Australian Logistics Council launched the Retail Logistics Supply Chain (RLSC) Code of Conduct in November 2006.

Inaugural signatories include retail majors Woolworths, Coles Myer and Metcash and transport giants Toll and Linfox. The Australian Food and Grocery Council, the National Transport Commission,English Harbor casino and the Australian Trucking Association have also been centrally involved. The Australian Logistics Council is the custodian of the code.

The code was developed by the ALC in conjunction with a group of senior representatives from the retail, transport and logistics industries. The eighteen-month process involved broad consultation with key stakeholders including government, apex bodies and unions.

The ten-point code supports a clear chain of responsibility in freight logistics, which involves all parties in the operation from the supplier and retailer to the carrier and logistics provider. In setting clear operational and administrative guidelines for compliance with the spirit and letter of law, the code recognises the importance of public safety and amenity in retail logistics operations.

While the Code is voluntary and applies only to signatories, the requirement to be a signatory will become a requirement of doing business with the major retailers. It reinforces minimum levels of behaviour to help those in the RLSC manage their obligations under relevant road transport and occupational health and safety laws

The code is made up of three parts

The ten-point Code of Conduct document which is signed by the company and the ALC, is the formal commitment

A guideline document which sets out the operational and administrative guidelines