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As of 1 November 2024, the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension, and Loading) National Regulation were amended to allow increased axle mass limits for heavy vehicles complying with Euro VI emissions standards (ADR 80/04). These changes are designed to facilitate the adoption of cleaner, more environmentally friendly vehicles while maintaining safe operational standards. We provide a detailed breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for operators.

A New Era of Sustainable Transport.

The heavy vehicle industry stands on the cusp of a transformative shift toward cleaner, more efficient transport systems.

Performance-Based Standards (PBS) vehicles have been at the forefront of innovation, providing incentives for operators to adopt higher productivity combinations that move more with less. However, the road to a sustainable future requires even greater ambition. As global truck OEMs lag in prioritizing zero-emission technology for larger PBS combinations, a new strategy is needed.

The National PBS Tier 1 Notice is a significant step forward.

I just advised a PBS owner operator they’re now allowed 91 tonnes on the L3A HML network in NSW - they’d been capped at 78 tonnes under permit.

The Class 2 Notice released on 27 October 2021 means that PBS combinations no longer require permits to operate at Tier 1 masses.

However, this doesn’t apply in the NHVR’s home state of Queensland and the conditions in participating states and territory vary dramatically.

As always, the devil is in the detail.