Noske Logistics plans on increased presence in Green Triangle region by adding another two higher productivity vehicles to its fleet
November 10, 2011
Noske Logistics is planning to expand its footprint in Victoria’s Green Triangle region by adding another two super B-doubles to its fleet.
The firm currently has approval to run one vehicle in the region as part of the higher productivity freight vehicle (HPFV) trial, which VicRoads is looking at extending to metropolitan areas.
Executive Director Tony Noske says the truck, which operates at 77.5 tonnes and is 27.5 metres long, has delivered a 44 percent increase in productivity when compared with a higher mass limits(HML) B-double operating at 68.5 tonnes.
“We have one HPFV currently in operation with plans for two more units to go into service in 2011-12. This vehicle runs between Myamyn and the Port of Portland, a distance of approximately 45km along the Henty Highway and into the port precinct,” Noske says.
He attributes the productivity gains to a 12 percent increase in payload and faster turnaround times during pick-up and delivery.
Noske Logistics had to go through the performance based standards (PBS) scheme and enrol in the Intelligent Access Program (IAP) to operate in the Green Triangle, where the company hauls woodchip.
Noske says there were initial concerns within the local community about the trial to put larger vehicles on the road, which are seen as an effective solution to meeting a growing freight task.
“We focussed very heavily on having community information sessions to inform and alleviate any concerns and questions,” he says.
“The fact that the overall design of the HPFV results in a significant reduction in vehicle movements went a long way to addressing the concerns of the community.”
Former roads minister Tim Pallas recently accused the Victorian Government of secretly planning to unleash “monster trucks” on Melbourne suburbs, which Transport Minister Terry Mulder has denied.
VicRoads says it is looking at granting larger trucks access to metropolitan motorways during peak-hour periods, but any trial will come with stringent operating conditions.
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) want the government to end the trial phase and work with industry to put more higher productivity vehicles on the state’s road network.