Road Train Modernisation Program

B-Triple and AB-Triple combinations up to 36.5 metres in length can now operate in the western region of New South Wales.

The introduction of these new vehicle combinations forms part of the New South Wales Government’s commitment to implement road transport reforms led by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).

At this time, B-Triple and AB-Triple combinations must operate only on approved roads under a vehicle-specific permit.  

What are the benefits of operating a B-Triple or AB-Triple?

B-Triples and AB-Triples have been introduced in Western NSW to provide a modern, safer, more productive option for freight transport. 

These vehicle combinations provide a number of benefits, including:

• increased payload capacities in comparison to existing Road Train combinations;
• significantly greater deck space for livestock carriers and general freight carriers 
  (B-Triples); and
• the ability to transport increased payloads of higher density loads such as minerals and grains (AB-Triples).

What mass limits are available to B-Triples and AB-Triples?

B-Triple and AB-Triple combinations can operate at three tiers of mass limits:

• General Mass Limits (GML);
• Concessional Mass Limits (CML); and
• Higher Mass Limits (HML).

The gross mass limits for B-Triple and AB-Triple combinations compared to existing Road Train combinations are detailed in the table below:

What conditions must be met before operating a B-Triple or AB-Triple in NSW?

Registered operators seeking to operate a B-Triple or AB-Triple in New South Wales must first enrol in the Intelligent Access Program (IAP) through Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) online facility.

> Enrol now

All enrolments are processed free of charge.

As part of the enrolment process, registered operators must ensure that a number of conditions are met. 

The prime mover and any set of trailers that are to be used as part of a B-Triple or AB-Triple must be certified by a qualified Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) VSCCS Licensed Certifier and a copy of the certification form (available below) must be provided with the enrolment application.

Further information regarding operating conditions for B-Triples and AB-Triples can be found in the document titled ‘NSW Road Train Modernisation Program: B-Triple and AB-Triple Operating Conditions’, available at the bottom of this page.

What access is available for B-Triple and AB-Triple?

Operators enrolled in the IAP benefit from automatic access to all approved B-Triple or AB-Triple roads in New South Wales.

IAP maps provide details of B-Triple and AB-Triple approved routes.

Transport operators can request for assessment of roads that are not currently approved for B-Triple or AB-Triple access by completing the IAP route confirmation form and email it to Intelligent_Access_Program@rta.nsw.gov.au.

Where access is sought on local and regional roads that are not currently approved, written approval will be required from the relevant Local Government Authority.

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

Vehicles must not operate on requested routes until advised by Roads and Maritime Services of the outcome of the route assessment or until the approved routes appear on the relevant IAP maps.

For any enquiries, please email IAP@rta.nsw.gov.au.