Road freight group Transporting New Zealand is urging regulators to allow higher payloads on approved heavy vehicles, as rising diesel prices continue to push up freight costs.
Chief executive Dom Kalasih says increasing payload capacity within the existing heavy vehicle permitting system could improve efficiency and reduce fuel use.
“I have written to New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), asking the agency to consider how the heavy vehicle permitting regulations could be urgently amended to move more freight in fewer trips,” Kalasih says.
Heavy vehicle rules currently allow approved operators to run High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMVs) above the standard 44-tonne limit on suitable roads.
Kalasih says expanding payload limits on vehicles such as 50MAX trucks would help offset fuel costs.
“Increasing allowable payloads on 50MAX vehicles and other HPMVs could reduce the diesel required to move freight, while maintaining a safe and well-regulated system,” he says.
“That will put downward pressure on freight costs at a time when businesses and consumers are doing it really tough.”
Transporting NZ says HPMVs already deliver efficiency gains compared with standard trucks.
“HPMVs are already delivering fuel savings compared to standard 44-tonne trucks. For example, 50MAX trucks increase freight capacity by approximately 20% while only increasing diesel use by 10%, with their additional axle ensuring no additional wear on roads per tonne of freight,” Kalasih says.
He says improving freight efficiency would also reduce emissions and improve safety by cutting the number of trips required.
“Improving freight efficiency also has benefits for safety and emissions, as fewer trips are required to move the same volume of goods,” Kalasih says.
“Now more than ever we need a regulator that is responsive and agile in getting freight moved the best way possible,” he says.
“We’re looking forward to working constructively with NZTA to maximise the savings that the permitting system can offer.”
