PBS and Tyres – an update

PBS and Tyres – an update

It’s not a stretch to say that tyres have been a problem for most users of the PBS scheme. A recent meeting in Sydney had all stakeholders in the same room discussing the findings of an official report from TERNZ (Dr John de Pont) reviewing all potential options, and it appears there is a consensus… Read more »

A PBS case study: $65,400 extra profit in one year under PBS

A PBS case study: $65,400 extra profit in one year under PBS

For many people in the industry, PBS has often been touted as a benefit. This is either through promoting safer vehicles or allowing operators to make their operations more efficient and productive. But today we are going to look at a case of an operator making the decision of whether to operate under PBS or… Read more »

NHVR allows dangerous goods vehicles under PBS pre advised scheme

NHVR allows dangerous goods vehicles under PBS pre advised scheme

From 22 July 2019, Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles carrying dangerous goods will be allowed through the PBS pre‑advised design approval process. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has further expanded the PBS pre-advised (PA) design approval process. Following a long list of changes earlier this year, this may seem like a small change, but… Read more »

PBS Masterclass

PBS Masterclass

In 2019, Advantia will be running an in-depth training course on Performance Based Standards (PBS). Known as the PBS Masterclass, this one-day course is designed for people who may have any role to play in PBS. Advantia has been involved in the PBS Scheme since it was conceived almost 20 years ago now, however a… Read more »

Advantia Staffing Update

Advantia Staffing Update

Advantia is pleased to welcome back Daniel Nolan and introduce Nicholas Schade into our team. This is what it means to our team structure: Returning to Advantia following a year of travel, Daniel Nolan has resumed his role as an Accredited PBS Assessor and now holds the position of Engineering Manager Saizo Takeuchi now holds… Read more »

There are new types of combinations allowed under the PBS pre-advised design approval process, but what does this mean?

There are new types of combinations allowed under the PBS pre-advised design approval process, but what does this mean?

On the 1st of April 2019, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) expanded the Performance Based Standards (PBS) pre-advised (PA) design approval process. The changes allow three new types of vehicles to get faster Design Approvals (DA), mostly at PBS Level 2. This batch of changes is centred around expanding the process to include more… Read more »

The case for the PBS 20-metre semi-trailer

The case for the PBS 20-metre semi-trailer

Around the world, the undisputed workhorse of the short-haul road freight system is the prime mover and semi-trailer. In Australia, our version of this key vehicle will typically be a 6×4 prime mover towing a tandem or triaxle semi-trailer, with a total length of no more than 19-metres. The combination is used for carrying all… Read more »

The forgotten zone between PBS Level 2B and PBS Level 3A

The forgotten zone between PBS Level 2B and PBS Level 3A

There is a ‘forgotten zone’ between PBS Level 2B and PBS Level 3A. This zone comes into play when a combination exceeding 30 metres overall length meets PBS Level 2 standards. I am concerned by the frequency with which I find road managers referring to a PBS Level 2 combination greater than 30 metres long as… Read more »

30-metre A-Double access between Toowoomba and Port of Brisbane is now via Gazette

30-metre A-Double access between Toowoomba and Port of Brisbane is now via Gazette

For the last 8 years, Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has approved 30-metre A-Doubles to operate between Toowoomba and the Port of Brisbane via Class 2 Permits up to Higher Mass Limits. Like all permit approvals, periodic renewal is required to maintain ongoing access approval. In a move that will reduce the… Read more »

Victoria’s 36.5-metre 85.5-tonne A-Double Networks

Victoria’s 36.5-metre 85.5-tonne A-Double Networks

Building on Victoria’s 30-metre A-Double Networks, VicRoads has published its first PBS Level 3A 36.5-metre A-Double Networks providing access up to 85.5-tonnes. This is a significant development for the road freight industry and High Productivity Freight Vehicle (HPFV) access in Victoria as it provides clear direction that HPFVs up to 36.5-metres can now access key… Read more »