News & Opinion
In a previous piece, we discussed the potential benefits and challenges of introducing wider trailers in Australia, particularly the idea of extending the maximum width from 2.5 metres to 2.6 metres. Given the Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme’s capacity to approve heavy vehicle widths beyond standard limits, the prospects appeared promising for over-width vehicles. On… Read more »
In a milestone media release, the Truck Industry Council (TIC) and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) have stated “there is no justification in limiting axle masses when using appropriate wide single tyres given the improved vehicle stability and efficiency they bring. They should be permitted to operate at the same mass as equivalent dual tyred… Read more »
PBS has been around for over a decade, but how can it help with a modern challenge? The Australian heavy vehicle fleet plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy, transporting goods across vast distances. However, the environmental impact of these vehicles cannot be overlooked. In 2018, it was found that the Australian truck & bus… Read more »
While Performance Based Standards (PBS) allows for innovative, high-productivity vehicles, there are limits to the maximum possible Gross Combination Mass (GCM) at each level. There are two standards, which cause this: Gradeability A and Pavement Horizontal Loading. An explanation of each standard and the maximum possible GCMs to meet them are detailed in this article…. Read more »
The NHVR is in the process of developing the next phase of PBS, but what does this mean for industry? The Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme sets on-road performance standards for many heavy vehicles in Australia. The scheme aims to improve the safety and productivity of the heavy vehicle industry by allowing vehicles that meet… Read more »
As of 1 December 2022, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) implemented generic tyres into the Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme. This new scheme approximates tyre handling performance to be proportional to tyre load rating. As a result, tyre load index now influences PBS performance, where higher load indices positively affect results. To better understand… Read more »
As of 1 December 2022, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) implemented generic tyres into the Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme. There has been a three-month transitional period between the old tyre system and new tyre system, and from 1 March 2023, only the new system will be in use. Gone are the days when… Read more »
Following the success of their 30-metre and 36.5-metre PBS A-double High Productivity Freight Vehicle (HPFV) networks, the Victorian Department of Transport has just released their 36.5-metre B-triple network. The release of the new B-triple network in Victoria is another boom for the road freight industry. Similar to the existing A-double network, this B-triple network is… Read more »
With the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s introduction of generic tyres in Performance Based Standards edging closer to implementation, it’s worth taking a moment to consider how this might look for industry moving forward. Advantia has for many years already implemented generic tyres where appropriate. To model generic tyres, we use a conservative tyre dataset to… Read more »
Heavy vehicle combinations are often required to meet Tier 1 axle spacings for access over bridges. We have seen this recently with the National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (Tier 1) Authorisation Notice as well as the National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice. For operators… Read more »
