NSW Quad Axle Semi-Trailer Pilot Scheme

The RTA's pilot scheme for the operation of semi-trailers with Quad Axle groups has been introduced in accordance with the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreement on the general use of quad axle groups.

The pilot has been introduced to assess the engineering and economic issues associated with the operation of quad axle groups at higher load limits than currently allowed within articulated freight vehicle configurations and to achieve productivity and road safety benefits.

What are the benefits of operating a Quad Axle?

Allowing the operation of more productive quad axle vehicles is an important initiative that will boost the economy of NSW and reduce the number of trucks on our roads.  The semi-trailers operating under the quad axle pilot will not be any longer, wider or higher than a standard semi-trailer.

Operating combinations with quad axle groups provides a payload increase of up to 28% for a semi-trailer and has significant commercial benefits e.g. allows the movement of fully laden shipping containers.

The axle mass limits and gross mass limit for a Quad Axle semi-trailer are detailed below:

[* Under Gazette Notices published in NSW, prime movers with a GVM of 15 tonnes or more meeting Front Under-run Protection Systems (FUPS), cabin strength and ADR80/01 (engine emissions standards) can operate at 6.5 tonnes on the steer axle.  The extra 500kg allowed on the steer axle is added to the gross mass of the combination i.e. 50.5 tonnes]

What conditions must be met before operating a Quad Axle under the pilot scheme?

Registered operators seeking to operate a Quad Axle semi-trailer combination in New South Wales as part of the pilot scheme must enrol with the RTA to operate a Quad Axle under the Intelligent Access Program (IAP) and ensure that a number of operating conditions are met.

Further information regarding operating conditions for Quad Axles can be found in the document titled 'NSW Quad Axle Semi-Trailer Pilot Scheme Operating Conditions', available at the bottom of this page.

All vehicles will still have to comply with applicable Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and provisions of the Australian Vehicle Standards Rules.

What do I need to provide as part of the enrolment process?

Registered operators applying to operate a Quad Axle as part of the pilot scheme will need to provide detailed engineering specifications for the combination's axle spacings (this information is needed for bridge assessment purposes). A copy of the axle spacings form is available at the bottom of this page.

Written confirmation, from the Performance Based Standards (PBS) Review Panel (PRP), of the combination's PRP endorsement must also be provided to the RTA when applying for a permit. Further information on PBS and the PRP can be found here.

In addition, registered operators need to apply for road(s) where access is sought within NSW.

Operators that have already enrolled and been issued with a permit to operate on approved routes can request additional routes by emailing intelligent_access_program@rta.nsw.gov.au.

Where access is sought on a local government road(s), the RTA will advise that you need to obtain written approval from the relevant Local Government Authority.

Approval to operate on private roads must be obtained from the relevant private road owner(s).

Registered operators must not operate a Quad Axle on requested routes until the RTA issues a permit to the vehicle.

Who pays for the cost of the route assessment?

The cost of undertaking any structural assessments (e.g. bridge assessment) required with respect to the road(s) identified by the applicant will be borne by the applicant unless an exception is made by the relevant road owner e.g. an exception is made for the first route assessment sought by an applicant.

Payment of the fee is required before an assessment is undertaken.

The RTA will fund an agreed number of assessments each year, during the course of the pilot.

How will the pilot be evaluated?

Evaluation of the pilot will include a combination of vehicle testing, pavement monitoring and assessment of operator's compliance with access conditions.

From the second year of the pilot, when the initial results of the impact of quad-axles on pavements may be available, the RTA may levy a fee for the operation of quad-axle semi-trailer combinations operating under the scheme to recover the cost of pavement wear that may be assessed as being caused.

The pilot scheme has been approved to run for three years.

A decision on possible permanent implementation is expected to be made during the life of the pilot. Transition arrangements will apply for operators who enrol in the pilot, as outlined in the attached conditions.

For any inquiries, please e-mail intelligent_access_program@rta.nsw.gov.au.