Edition 44, May 2007

Safer trucks to service growing freight task

Australia's transport ministers have approved a Council of Australian Governments backed reform to allow semi-trailers and B-doubles fitted with quad axle groups to carry heavy loads more safely on a defined road network.

The reforms build on several sucessful local trials of quad-axle group trucks, which are designed and built to meet tougher safety standards for stability, braking and turning.  By spreading the weight over more axles, the truck can carry heavier loads more safely.  This means fewer, safer trucks are needed to carry heavy loads, helping reduce road trauma and engine emissions.

For Australia's manufacturers and primary producers, the reform addresses a weak link in the global logistics chain for heavy export loads such as meat, wine, grain and produce.  Closer alignment of road and rail axle weight limits will allow intermodal operators to transport containers more efficiently by rail.

The National Transport Commission is working closely with the trucking industry and government to agree on blueprint vehicle designs which meet world-leading safety standards.  The specification allows axle group weights of up to 27 tonnes on agreed routes.

The wide adoption of quad axle groups in semi-trailers and B-doubles forms part of the Council of Australian Governments' national reform agenda for transport.

For more information visit www.ntc.gov.au

 

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