Livestock Transport

The NSW Livestock Transport Productivity Package was developed by Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) in consultation with the NSW Livestock and Bulk Carriers Association. The Package includes initiatives to improve the safety and productivity of the NSW meat and livestock industry, including:

Reasonable allowances on axle mass limits for livestock loads to take into account the movement of livestock within pens during transport.
A new livestock transport accreditation scheme to allow operators with independently audited vehicle and driver safety systems to carry larger livestock loads.
A livestock loading calculator to assist operators and their customers ensure compliance with both animal welfare loading densities and vehicle mass limits.
Streamlining Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) and local council route assessment processes to expand the road network available for 4.6m high livestock vehicles.
Expanding the NSW Higher Mass Limits network to facilitate use of high productivity vehicles between key NSW meat and livestock industry centres.

More information on the Package, is available in the Information Bulletin and Information Paper.

Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) will continue to work closely with the Association, local councils and other industry stakeholders during the progressive implementation of the Package during 2011.

Reasonable allowances on axle mass limits for livestock loads

After 4 March 2011, to take into account the movement of livestock within pens during transport, eligible higher productivity vehicles will be permitted to exceed the regulated mass limits on tri-axle groups by up to one tonne.

Fact Sheet: Floating Tri-Axle Group Mass Concession
Class 3 Livestock Welfare (Floating Tri-Axle Group Mass Concession) Notice 2011

NSW Livestock Welfare Mass Management Accreditation Scheme (LWMMAS)

A new livestock transport accreditation scheme has been established to allow livestock carriers with independently audited mass management systems to operate eligible vehicles at mass limits equivalent to Concessional Mass Limits (CML).

Enrolments will be accepted into LWMMAS from 16 June 2011.

Initially, applications for accreditation, applications for accreditation renewal and accreditation amendment forms should be forwarded to Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) via email, fax or post to the details below. Online applications will be available shortly.

Interim application submission process

Email: heavyvehicleaccreditation@rta.nsw.gov.au

Fax: 1300 785 155

Post:

Accreditation and Audit Team

PO Box 3035

Parramatta NSW 2124

For enquiries, phone 1300 811 684. Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

If your compliance systems rely on the Livestock Loading Calculators (LLC) you will not pass Audit Requirements until the relevant calculators are available (see Livestock Loading Calculator section below)

Fact Sheet: LWMMAS Information for operators
Fact Sheet Livestock Transport: Chain of Responsibility
Class 3 Livestock Welfare Concessional Mass Limits Notice 2011
LWMMAS Business Rules and Standards
LWMMAS Application Form
LWMMAS Audit Matrix
LWMMAS Audit Report Template

Livestock Loading Calculator

The Livestock Loading Calculator (LLC) is a tool to assist operators and their customers comply with their obligations to take reasonable steps to prevent breaches of mass limits.

Please carefully read the instructions on use of the calculator on the introduction page of each LLC.

Currently, Livestock Loading Calculators are available for 6-axle single trailer combinations and 9-axle B-double combinations for carrying cattle or sheep. Changes will be introduced to the calculators to cover the carriage of pigs, following the successful completion of field trials. Two additional calculators will also be provided to cover the carriage of cattle and sheep in B-triples and road trains, following the successful completion of field trials.