High Productivity Livestock Vehicles

After consultation with the LTRAV and detailed analysis Tiger Spider proposed an extended livestock road train network for B-triples, A-double and AB-Triples which will better connect farms and interstate networks to Victorian saleyards, abattoirs and ports.

The proposed map can be viewed online at NHVR maps in Victoria under HPLVs.

Livestock B-triples can be operated on an extended road train network without requiring a PBS approval.

LRTAV requested an increase in tare weights for prime movers and trailers. This benefits stability but may result in increased pavement and bridge impacts which may reduce the scope of the livestock road train network. We recommended that DOTV assess bridges on the basis that livestock road trains are volumetrically constrained and apply appropriate bridge assessment safety factors. Deck length limits and penning density requirements volumetrically constrained livestock vehicles under this scheme. We have proposed various dimension sets for each livestock road train configuration.

Overloading risks will reduce with a strengthened livestock loading scheme which incorporates elements of NHVAS mass management module and improved enforcement of penning density limits. An improved livestock loading scheme should remove the need for additional constraints imposed on other classes of vehicles, particularly OBM and NHVAS.

To offset overloading and other risks we propose operating conditions tailored to the livestock industry. This includes, GPS tracking with Intelligent Access Program (IAP) or Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA), road-friendly suspensions, a PBS-compliant braking system and a minimum of ADR 80/02 emissions.