Maximising A-Double Payloads and Simplifying Compliance with Maher’s Transport
Maher’s Transport, a seasoned rural and interstate freight operator, began in 1992 with a single truck under the leadership of Brendan Maher. Today, the business runs a diverse operation across Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, specialising in grain haulage and strategic backloading. With a focus on keeping trucks loaded 80–85% of the time, Maher’s Transport needed smarter solutions to expand efficiently.
To increase payload capacity, reduce downtime, and streamline compliance, Maher’s Transport partnered with BTT Engineering—experts in Performance-Based Standards (PBS), A-double approvals, and heavy vehicle compliance.
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Gaining A-Double Access in Victoria
Maher’s Transport wanted to transition from B-doubles to PBS-approved A-doubles across Victoria and beyond. However, navigating the permit and approval process independently proved time-consuming and inefficient.
“When we first started, we were doing the permits ourselves. It was time-consuming and taking focus away from running trucks.”
Brendan also needed versatile PBS vehicle designs—combinations that could switch between B-double and A-double configurations during the transition process. This required detailed engineering, axle spacing calculations, and in-depth knowledge of PBS network conditions.
Reliable PBS and Permit Expertise from BTT Engineering
To ensure success, Maher’s Transport brought in BTT Engineering for end-to-end support. Their experience with PBS certification, vehicle design, and regulatory navigation proved to be a game-changer.
BTT Engineering delivered:
PBS design approvals tailored to existing trailer specs, road access needs, and productivity targets—coordinating with multiple trailer manufacturers
Heavy vehicles permit management—saving time and increasing approval success by handling daily applications
Route pre-assessments—providing upfront advice to avoid wasted applications and unnecessary costs
“They’d tell us straight away—yes, that’ll get through, or no, we had one knocked back last week just like it. You don’t need to waste your money.”
This proactive, transparent approach ensured Maher’s Transport could confidently move forward without costly setbacks. Thanks to BTT’s support, Maher’s Transport now runs PBS A-double combinations grossing at 85.5 tonnes, achieving payloads of up to 58 tonnes.
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Compliance Support That is Practical and Protective
Like many operators, Maher’s Transport initially viewed Chain of Responsibility (CoR) compliance as a bureaucratic task. But BTT Engineering turned it into a competitive advantage.
“You might think it’s just red tape… but when a major accident happens, you need that documentation to shut it down quickly. That’s what protects you.”
With BTT’s CoR compliance services, Maher’s Transport now has:
A full suite of documented policies and procedures
A complete audit trail of records and documentation to satisfy the requirements of NHVAS Mass Management and Basic Fatigue Management Accreditation Audits
Greater confidence and legal protection in the event of an incident
One of the biggest benefits Brendan highlights is BTT’s honesty and responsiveness.
“You don’t get passed around. Call Sharon or Eddie, and you get an answer—might not be what you want to hear, but at least you know and can move forward.”
With BTT Engineering, there are no delays, no guessing games, just direct access to experienced transport engineers and compliance professionals who understand what it takes to keep trucks moving legally and profitably.