PBS A-doubles in Victoria  – What you wish they would just tell you

PBS A-doubles in Victoria – What you wish they would just tell you

A user guide to understanding the required vehicle dimensions for A-doubles and gaining access to the pre-approved networks in Victoria. Key learnings: Short and compact combinations with many axles (i.e. 91t tri-dolly 30m A-double) leads to a more restrictive mass allowance on routes crossing many bridges Having more generous spacings between axle groups allows for… Read more »

Liftable and self-steerable axles: front or rear of axle groups?

Liftable and self-steerable axles: front or rear of axle groups?

Liftable and self-steerable trailer axles are recognised for improving vehicle performance in terms of fuel economy and low-speed manoeuvrability as well as reducing tyre scrub. However, the choice of where to fit the liftable or self-steerable axles within an axle group is not a trivial question! There are multiple factors contributing to pros and cons… Read more »

Your Questions Answered: PBS Vehicle Approvals (VA)

Your Questions Answered: PBS Vehicle Approvals (VA)

Performance-Based Standards (PBS) are a set of regulations that focus on the safety and efficiency of heavy vehicles by assessing their performance. Where a PBS Design Approval (DA) demonstrates that a concept design meets PBS standards, a PBS Vehicle Approval (VA) confirms that the physical vehicle matches the design in the DA. To help clarify… Read more »

A look at the Advantia PBS Toolbox – Tier 1 Mass Calculator

A look at the Advantia PBS Toolbox – Tier 1 Mass Calculator

Advantia offers a range of online services for the heavy vehicle industry to assist with PBS vehicle design and assessment. In this article, we take a closer look at how to use the Tier 1 Mass Calculator. Advantia offers four services as part the PBS Toolbox on our website. All you need to do to… Read more »

Low and zero-emission heavy vehicle axle limits

Low and zero-emission heavy vehicle axle limits

Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia have taken significant steps toward accommodating low and zero-emission heavy vehicles by increasing axle limits, a move crucial for the integration of these eco-friendlier trucks into heavy vehicle networks. These concessions are in response to the fact that these heavy vehicles are typically heavier from the additional mass… Read more »

The Future of Safer Trucks: The Push to 2.55 Metres

The Future of Safer Trucks: The Push to 2.55 Metres

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 »

Research fully supports adoption of wide single tyres

Research fully supports adoption of wide single tyres

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 »

Decarbonization of the Australian Heavy Vehicle Fleet through PBS

Decarbonization of the Australian Heavy Vehicle Fleet through PBS

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 »

The GCM limits of each PBS Level

The GCM limits of each PBS Level

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 »

PBS 2.0 – What does it mean?

PBS 2.0 – What does it mean?

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 »