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Ostwald Bros turns to PBS for significant payload increase

PBS certification for truck and dog configuration gives Ostwald Bros seven-tonne gain.

 

Ostwald Bros’ bulk haulage division has gained Performance Based Standards (PBS) certification for custom truck and dog configurations that will allow the company to haul significantly more freight per load.

The Queensland-based operator is now running three sets of aluminium truck and quad-axle dog 20m combinations, marking Ostwald’s first foray into the world of PBS.

Each new combination is built on a Kenworth T409 SAR rigid and tips the scales at 57.5 tonnes gross combination mass, achieving a payload of 39.5 tonnes.

“That’s a seven-tonne gain for us compared to conventional truck and dog models,” Ostwald Transport safety and compliance manager Athol Carter says.

PBS certification gives the combinations extensive access to Queensland’s road network.

“Under the PBS scheme, we now have flexible vehicles that can travel on Level 1 and Level 2 roads here in Queensland as opposed to B-doubles and Type 1 road trains in our fleet that are required to use alternative routes,” Carter says.

“Having multi-purpose vehicles allows us to really make the most of each run, servicing our clients within the Surat Basin in Queensland’s south,” Carter says.

He says Ostwald Bros spent two years researching the benefits of PBS and has suggested the company will use the scheme again in future.

“From my point of view, PBS makes perfect business sense,” Carter says.

“Now that we are aware of what PBS can achieve, we’ll look at adding more multi-purpose trailers going forward.”

Ostwald Bros adopted one of Hamelex White’s pre-approved PBS designs to fast-track the approval process and get the truck and dog combination on the road sooner.

“We basically outlined what we needed to see in the trailers and Hamelex White filled out the rest of the features that fall under PBS requirements,” Carter says.

The configuration features a 5mm flat lining sheet, a tailgate locking feature, drum axles and suspensions, and an electronic braking system (EBS) with roll stability and protection.

“The sheet can handle the punishment from bulky rocks, road materials and cement boulders without sustaining damage to the interior, and enables quick load discharge,” Carter says.

“We also had Hamelex White install sludge locks to the tailgates, which means we can keep sensitive products on board without it leaking out the back.” 

PBS is designed to give road access to custom-built heavy vehicles that provide substantial productivity gains not possible under general access guidelines.

Vehicles are permitted to use the road network if they pass a set of stringent safety and performance conditions.

Ostwald Bros boasts 32 prime movers and 115 trailers in a fleet that includes side tippers, low loaders, flat deck trailers and water tankers.

Since its establishment almost 25 years ago, the company has been involved in construction, bulk haulage, facilities and accommodation management, mechanical maintenance, rural services and water management.

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