Two Super B-double truck combinations rolled out of the Dandenong depot of Wettenhall Logistics, marking a milestone in access for Higher Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFVs) on the wider Victorian road network under the new Victorian Freight & Logistics Plan (VFLP).
The Victorian Coalition Government has unveiled its blueprint for the freight & logistics sector. Victoria – The Freight State outlines the long-term strategy to improve freight efficiency, grow productivity and better connect Victorian businesses with their markets, whether local, national or international.
A key element of the Victorian Freight & Logistics Plan is a commitment by the government to better use the existing freight network by allowing larger, safer and more productive freight vehicles on Victoria's roads.
Victorian Transport Association (VTA) CEO Neil Chambers praised Wettenhall Logistics managing director Scott Wettenhall, and his team for being 'transport pioneers' as the first company to be granted approval under the government's HPFV 'Cubic Freight Network' policy to operate super B-doubles between Dandenong, the Port of Melbourne, and associated empty container parks near the Port of Melbourne.
"This represents a significant investment by a family company like Wettenhall Logistics. Scott has done the numbers and knows his clients' needs for the efficient movement of light full containers to and from the Port of Melbourne, and the associated management of the empty container task.
"Having the ability to move four ?TEU on the one vehicle both to and from the Port, instead of three TEU on a B-double or two TEU on a semitrailer, will reduce truck trips tremendously for the company.
"As is the trend generally, more and more of the Wettenhall Logistics container transport work involves 40-foot containers, rather than twenty foot containers. Using the super B-doubles to carry two 40' containers as opposed to the cartage of only one on a B-double or on a semi will deliver a 100% productivity gain each trip," Mr Chambers observed.
"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 (IAP) 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.
"We are extremely glad that these vehicles are now on the wider road network as we know that it is the start of an exciting journey. We have no doubt that they will demonstrate to the government, the community and to industry, that they are safe, productive, efficient, and the way of the future," Mr Chambers said.
