What is ISO 39001?
ISO 39001:2012 is the international standard that outlines the requirements for a Road Traffic Safety (RTS) management system, helping organizations reduce and eliminate the incidence and risk of road traffic crashes. The standard provides a framework for organizations to improve road safety performance, reduce fatalities and serious injuries, and contribute to sustainable transport systems.
ISO 39001 is not just a standard for transportation companies, it applies to any organization that influences road traffic safety directly or indirectly. It enables companies to set RTS performance targets and monitor progress using measurable indicators.
The standard aligns with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.6, which aims to halve road deaths and injuries worldwide.
Need help with ISO 39001 certification in your organization or fleet operations? Contact us at support@pacificcert.com.
Scope and Applicability
ISO 39001 is applicable to any organization, public or private, regardless of size or industry, that interacts with road traffic systems. It is particularly relevant for:
- Logistics and transport companies
- Public transport operators
- Government agencies and infrastructure authorities
- Emergency services
- Postal and delivery services
- Ride-sharing and taxi platforms
- Organizations with vehicle fleets or mobile workforces
The standard enables these organizations to manage road safety risks and implement structured interventions.
Want to assess if ISO 39001 is right for your organization? Reach us at support@pacificcert.com.
Certification Process
ISO 39001 is a certifiable standard, meaning organizations can undergo independent third-party audits to validate their compliance. The certification process includes:
- Initial Gap Assessment – Evaluate current road safety practices and performance indicators.
- Planning and Documentation – Define RTS objectives, risk assessments, and organizational context.
- System Implementation – Assign responsibilities, roll out RTS programs, and track performance metrics.
- Internal Audits and Management Review – Evaluate system performance and readiness for external audit.
- Third-Party Certification Audit – A formal evaluation by an accredited certification body.
We support organizations through every stage of certification—from audit to certification. Contact support@pacificcert.com for guidance.
Clause-wise Structure of ISO 39001
Clause | Title | Description |
1 | Scope | Defines the purpose and limits of the standard, which applies to any organization that interacts with road traffic directly or indirectly. |
2 | Normative References | Lists other standards referenced and necessary for implementing ISO 39001 (if any). |
3 | Terms and Definitions | Clarifies key terminology used throughout the standard, such as road traffic crashes, safety performance factors, and RTS results. |
4 | Context of the Organization | Requires organizations to identify relevant external/internal issues and stakeholders that affect road traffic safety. |
5 | Leadership | Addresses top management’s commitment, roles, responsibilities, RTS policy, and strategic alignment. |
6 | Planning | Involves identifying risks and opportunities, setting RTS objectives, and integrating performance factors. |
7 | Support | Details requirements for resources, staff competence, training, communication, and documentation control. |
8 | Operation | Covers planning and control of processes related to RTS performance, including procurement and contractor safety. |
9 | Performance Evaluation | Requires monitoring, measurement, analysis, internal audits, and management reviews to assess RTS performance. |
10 | Improvement | Focuses on managing nonconformities, implementing corrective actions, and driving continual improvement of the RTS management system. |
How to Implement ISO 39001 in Your Organization?
To implement ISO 39001 effectively:
- Understand your RTS impact: Identify how your activities affect road safety outcomes (driver behavior, vehicle use, journey planning).
- Establish leadership commitment: Senior management must support RTS integration and resource allocation.
- Set RTS performance objectives: Define measurable targets such as reduced crash rates, driver violations, or fuel usage.
- Identify RTS risk factors: Analyze speed, road user behavior, vehicle safety, environmental conditions, and organizational policies.
- Develop and implement RTS controls: Introduce training, monitoring systems, journey management, and vehicle maintenance policies.
- Engage stakeholders: Collaborate with drivers, customers, authorities, and the public to build a safety-first culture.
- Measure and improve: Use data (accident reports, GPS, telematics) to analyze performance and continually improve.
Need a customized ISO 39001 certification plan? Contact support@pacificcert.com!
Documentation Required
To achieve ISO 39001 certification, you need to develop and maintain:
- RTS policy and strategic objectives
- Risk assessment and road safety impact analysis
- Operational controls for journey planning and vehicle use
- Training and awareness materials for employees
- Performance indicators and baseline RTS data
- Incident investigation reports and root cause analyses
- Emergency preparedness and response procedures
- Internal audit and management review records
We can help you with the audit checklist for certification process, contact us at support@pacificcert.com.
Eligibility Criteria
ISO 39001 is suitable for any organization that:
- Operates vehicles or manages transportation services
- Has employees who drive as part of their job
- Influences road traffic safety through policies, infrastructure, or services
- Aims to improve road safety performance and reduce accidents
- Seeks to demonstrate compliance to stakeholders, regulators, and clients
Still not sure if your organization is eligible? Contact support@pacificcert.com for a pre-assessment.
Certification Costs
The cost of ISO 39001 certification depends on:
- Size and scope of the organization (fleet size, number of sites)
- Risk level based on transportation exposure and incident history
- Documentation readiness and system maturity
- Integration with other ISO standards (ISO 45001, ISO 9001)
- Training, implementation, and audit support requirements
We provide tailored cost estimates following a scoping session. Reach us at support@pacificcert.com.
Certification Timeline
Week | Activities |
Week 1 | Gap analysis, risk mapping, and scope definition |
Week 2 | Policy development and RTS documentation |
Week 3 | Staff training and operational control implementation |
Week 4 | Internal audit and incident monitoring setup |
Week 5 | Management review and system refinement |
Week 6 | Third-party certification audit and corrective actions (if any) |
Want to fast-track your ISO 39001 journey? Contact us at support@pacificcert.com!
Requirements of ISO 39001
The standard outlines several key requirements for an effective RTS management system:
- Organizational Context – Define how the organization’s operations influence road safety outcomes.
- Leadership and Commitment – Top management must establish RTS policies, provide resources, and demonstrate accountability.
- Planning – Identify legal and stakeholder obligations, road safety risk factors, and set RTS performance objectives.
- Support – Ensure competent personnel, communication strategies, and access to resources.
- Operation – Implement controls around fleet safety, speed management, road design influence, and incident response.
- Performance Evaluation – Monitor incidents, near misses, audit results, and compliance trends.
- Improvement – Investigate incidents, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to enhance safety performance.
Benefits of ISO 39001
- Systematic risk management helps organizations reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities across their operations.
- Improves safety conditions for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.
- Supports alignment with transport safety laws, licensing conditions, and government safety programs.
- Fewer incidents lead to reduced claims, premiums, and vehicle downtime.
- Strengthens the organization’s public image by actively contributing to safer communities.
- Encourages smarter journey planning, reduced fuel usage, and vehicle wear.
- RTS performance indicators help identify trends and make evidence-based improvements.
- Easily aligns with ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001 through shared management system structure.
This ongoing year, global interest in ISO 39001 has surged, particularly in response to rising traffic fatalities and stricter road safety regulations. According to the World Health Organization, over 1.2 million people die annually in road traffic crashes, with many incidents involving commercial vehicles.
Governments and large transport buyers are increasingly mandating ISO 39001 certification in tenders. Logistics firms, ride-sharing platforms, and public transport authorities are adopting the standard to demonstrate commitment to safety, sustainability, and accountability.
A 2025 industry survey by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) shows that more than 40% of fleet operators now include ISO 39001 in their corporate risk frameworks.
Want to align your fleet or services with global safety standards? Contact us at support@pacificcert.com!
How Pacific Certifications Can Help?
We at Pacific Certifications support clients worldwide in implementing and certifying ISO 39001. Our services include:
- RTS gap analysis and baseline risk assessments
- Pre audit
- Audit and accredited certification
- Surveillance audits
- Ongoing support
Our expertise spans transport, logistics, public sector, and commercial fleets.
Ready to start your ISO 39001 project? Email us at support@pacificcert.com!
FAQ on ISO 39001
Is ISO 39001 certifiable?
Yes, it is a certifiable standard with third-party audit options.
Is ISO 39001 only for transport companies?
No, it applies to any organization that operates vehicles or influences road safety.
Can ISO 39001 be integrated with ISO 45001 or 9001?
Yes, it shares the same high-level structure (Annex SL), making integration easy.
Does ISO 39001 reduce insurance costs?
Yes, insurers often recognize certified systems as lower-risk, which may reduce premiums.
How long does certification take?
Typically 6–8 weeks, depending on your readiness and risk profile.
Ready to get ISO 39001:2012 certified?
Contact Pacific Certifications to begin your certification journey today!
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