B-Triple and AB-Triple combinations in New South Wales

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 IAP through the RTA.

Enrolments can be submitted through the RTA’s on-line enrolment facility, which can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

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 RTA Accredited Signatory, 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.

B-Triple and AB-Triple approved routes

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

The RTA is pleased to offer an IAP route confirmation service to all transport operators considering becoming fully enrolled in the IAP.

This service will provide operators with the ability to obtain formal confirmation of the availability of B-Triple and/or AB-Triple access on specific roads or routes of interest to their business when making a decision to engage an IAP Service Provider.

Transport operators can also initiate assessments of roads that have not yet been evaluated for B-Triple or AB-Triple access.  New roads that are approved for B-Triples or AB-Triples through this process will be made available only to vehicles fully enrolled in the IAP. 

To use this service, transport operators should complete the ‘IAP route confirmation’ form below, and email it to Intelligent_Access_Program@rta.nsw.gov.au.

How do I apply for access to other roads, and can I apply for HML access?

Registered operators seeking to operate a B-Triple or AB-Triple at GML or CML on existing road train routes that have not yet been assessed can request access during the enrolment process or at any time afterwards. 

Registered operators can also apply for HML access on any existing road train route within the HML access zone during the enrolment process or at any time afterwards.

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).

Vehicles must not operate on requested routes until advised by the RTA of the outcome of the route assessment.

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