Finemore gets the OK to run PBS-approved trucks

Date: 17.06.2014

Ron Finemore Transport gains approval to run innovative semi-trailer combination in the nation’s capital.

Finemore gets the OK to run PBS-approved trucks

Ron Finemore says the PBS-approved vehicles are a win for everyone in terms of safety and efficiency.

Ron Finemore Transport has been given the all clear to run innovative semi-trailers in the nation’s capital in a move that broadens the reach of the Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme.

The company gained approval under PBS to run 20m long semi-trailer combinations capable of carrying 26 pallets – up to six more than conventional semi-trailers can accommodate.

The trucks are operating in the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding regions delivering freight to Woolworths and the Woolworths-owned Dan Murphy stores.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), which manages PBS, says the increased load-carrying capacity of the trucks will reduce the number of truck trips required for the work by an average of 10 per cent.

"This reduction in trips will see up to 304,000 less litres of diesel used per year and 820 less tonnes of C02 created," NHVR Sal Petroccitto says.

"With the addition of the ACT, the PBS Scheme now has approved vehicles running through all states and territories, which means that Australia now has a truly national PBS network."

Australian Logistics Council Managing Director Michael Kilgariff has welcomed the arrival of PBS vehicles in the ACT, saying they are an important part of the logistics chain.

"Increased capacity through smart PBS design means greater efficiency and less effect on the surrounding environment," Kilgariff says.

Ron Finemore Transport is rolling out 27 prime movers and 43 PBS trailers for the work.

Owner Ron Finemore says the vehicles are a win for everyone in terms of safety and efficiency.

All vehicles are fitted with electronic brake systems, electronic stability control, LED lighting and side under-run protection.

The trailers are fitted with wide, single tyres which have lower rolling resistance to improve fuel efficiency and wider track widths for increased roll stability.

The combinations also have high-visibility reflecting outline markings on the trailers.

The company went through the new PBS application process established when national heavy vehicle regulations were introduced.

"Before, we had to get up to 27 permits for each prime mover from New South Wales authorities, as well as seeking a large number of permits from ACT and Victoria," Finemore says.

"Now, since the new national law commenced, our whole PBS operation for this task is covered by a single permit managed and issued by the NHVR."

Petroccitto says the NHVR staff provided technical assistance to the ACT so it could assess its road network to see if the trucks were suitable.

PBS allows operators to use innovative combinations, including those that can carry more freight per load, if they meet a number of set safety and performance conditions.

"The PBS scheme is about getting the right vehicles on the right roads, while offering industry the potential to achieve higher productivity and safety through better vehicle design," Petrocitto says.