Victoria’s new Freight & Logistics Plan (VFLP) has allowed access for Higher Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFVs) on the wider road network, with the first big rigs rolling out of city depots this week.

The new Freight Plan is part of a broader blueprint for the freight & logistics sector titled ‘Victoria – The Freight State’. It outlines a long-term strategy to boost freight efficiency, productivity and connectivity between Victorian businesses with their markets. The Plan has taken modern technology and safety protocols into consideration in allowing larger, safer and more productive freight vehicles on Victoria’s roads.

Victorian Transport Association (VTA) CEO Neil Chambers praised the ‘transport pioneers’ as the first groups are granted approval under the government’s HPFV ‘Cubic Freight Network’. It allows the operation of super B-doubles between Dandenong, the Port of Melbourne, and associated empty container parks near the Port of Melbourne.

“Using the super B-doubles to carry two forty-foot containers as opposed to the cartage of only one on a B-double or on a semi will deliver a one hundred per cent productivity gain each trip,” Mr Chambers said, “the use of fewer trucks, and the rating of the vehicles to 90 km/h, will deliver many savings for the company, including a reduced fuel bill, reduced energy emissions and less stress for drivers.”

“These are also some of the safest heavy vehicles on our roads. As a condition of their access, the vehicles are monitored by Intelligent Access Program certified GPS, have EBS braking technology, and brand new Mack prime movers with the latest engine and safety designs. The trailers have been built by Vawdrey to exacting safety and engineering standards, including side under-run protection,” Mr Chambers added, talking specifically of the trucks belonging to Wettenhall Logistics.