How PalmTrans Transformed Linehaul Efficiency with PBS B-Triples and 27m B-Doubles
PalmTrans, a family-owned linehaul freight company, operates a growing national network with depots in Laverton (VIC), Eastern Creek (NSW), and Heathwood (QLD). Specialising in general freight, dangerous goods, cold chain logistics, and express parcel delivery, PalmTrans needed a scalable transport solution to meet rising freight volumes—especially on the Melbourne to Sydney linehaul corridor.
To optimise their fleet and unlock Performance-Based Standards (PBS) capability, PalmTrans partnered with BTT Engineering, industry leaders in PBS vehicle approvals, B-triple combination design, and NHVR compliance.
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Boosting Capacity Without Replacing the Fleet
With customer demand growing and new driver hurdles emerging, PalmTrans needed to increase payload capacity and improve vehicle utilisation—without scrapping existing trailers or overinvesting in new assets.
“We already had some equipment in service. Working with BTT, we were able to build specific A-trailers to work with what we had.”
The team also had new Kenworth prime movers on order, and wanted to maximise their value by running PBS-approved 27-metre B-doubles—a challenge requiring deep engineering knowledge and alignment with PBS Level 2 access standards.
Smart Engineering and Full-Service PBS Approvals
Following recommendations from other industry operators, PalmTrans turned to BTT Engineering for end-to-end PBS certification and fleet optimisation support.
BTT’s engineering and compliance team worked closely with PalmTrans to:
• Reverse-engineer and design PBS A-trailers that could integrate seamlessly with their existing fleet
• Develop and certify 27m B-double combinations suitable for conventional Kenworth prime movers
• Design PBS B-triple combinations tailored to high-volume, time-sensitive linehaul between Melbourne and Sydney
“They helped us get the design right from day one and ensured we stayed on track throughout the approval process.”
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A Flexible, High-Capacity Linehaul Fleet
With BTT’s expert support, PalmTrans now operates a diversified fleet of PBS-approved combinations, including:
• 36-pallet high-capacity combinations
• Standard 34-pallet B-doubles
• 27m PBS B-doubles
• PBS-certified B-triples for interstate linehaul
• Single trailers for flexible delivery runs
“The ability to do more with less is something every business is striving for—and PBS definitely helps us get there.”
PBS certification and high-capacity vehicle design can be complex and time-consuming—but BTT Engineering made the process clear, fast, and seamless.
“They were prompt and helpful. Getting all the gear together for vehicle measurements is a challenge—BTT made that process smooth.”
With a strong focus on compliance, customisation, and productivity, BTT Engineering continues to be a key partner in PalmTrans’ long-term freight growth.