PBS certification
An overview of Performance Based Standards Certification (PBS)
The Performance Based Standards scheme which is a scheme devised in Australia that is being rolled out around the world and focuses on helping transport operators achieve higher productivity through getting maximum return from your vehicle fleet and assets without compromising safety.
The PBS Certification process
A typical PBS process follows the following key steps
Step 1: Design assessment
The application process starts with a PBS assessor, who once provided with all relevant information for a proposed vehicle combination can complete assessment to see if the vehicle complies with the PBS scheme - Standards and Vehicle Assessment Rules. A wide range of components can make up an optimised vehicle design for a PBS vehicle approval, such as the engine, drivetrain, brakes, suspension, coupling and even tyres, illustrating how wide-ranging the PBS assessment process is. After confirming that the vehicle complies with all relevant performance based standards, the PBS assessor will submit a design approval application to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
Step 2: Design approval
The NHVR reviews the design approval application provided by the PBS assessor. This process can take a varied amount of time, as some unique or innovative combinations will require review from the PBS review panel at the NHVR. Once a design approval (DA) is issued, any vehicle or trailer which meets the specifications can be approved to be used in accordance with the approval - but only after they have been certified.
Step 3: Vehicle certification
For any vehicle or trailer to be considered as "PBS vehicles" it must first be approved by a PBS certifier, who is independent from the PBS assessor. The PBS certifier will complete an on-site inspection of any vehicles looking to operate under the PBS scheme and then compare these results to the design approval to ensure that the vehicle complies with these requirements. If there are any changes to the configuration the design approval may need an Assessor Sign Off (ASO) or variation, which involves engaging the PBS assessor again to update the DA. Once the PBS certifier is satisfied that each vehicle or trailer meet the design approval's criteria, they will submit to the NHVR for a vehicle approval (VA)
Step 4: Vehicle approval & access limits
The NHVR reviews the vehicle approval application provided by the PBS certifier. Provided that all information submitted shows the vehicles as complying with the design approval, the NHVR will issue a vehicle approval. At this stage, the performance based standards process is completed. Depending on the combination, one or more access permit(s) may be required.
Our PBS Certification services
BTT Engineering have proven with their dedicated team of PBS certifiers that they can assist clients anywhere in Australia with the PBS process. Below is a small overview of what we can provide to our clients
Comprehensive assessment and design support
BTT's role in the PBS certification process isn't limited to being PBS certifiers - we will manage your project from start to finish, including liaising with vehicle manufacturers to obtain relevant information, engaging a PBS assessor and managing any permit(s) required for road access.
Certification & compliance
Our team of experts will travel anywhere in Australia to complete inspections and are reliable in ensuring that your requirements are attended to in a timely manner. With PBS certifiers being independent from assessors, it can be assured that work will be carried out with integrity.
Ongoing support
Our commitment to service for our clients does not end once their first PBS vehicles are approved - whenever new vehicles or trailers are purchased they will need to be added to the PBS vehicle approval to get the same benefits of operation under the PBS scheme. BTT Engineering will assist in ensuring process is managed seamlessly, allowing minimal downtime between your vehicle being ready and able to operate as PBS vehicles. If your approval requires an access permit, we will ensure this is renewed as required prior to expiry.
Benefits of PBS certification
Speak to the BTT team today to find out benefits the performance based standards scheme can provide for you
Enhanced safety & productivity
With current industry demand in Australia resulting in tight margins and driver shortages you need to ensure that you can use the right vehicles for the right tasks and get the most freight and product for the least amount of time and vehicle movements.
Flexibility & innovation
The PBS scheme has seen some unique combinations and designs approved such as belly axles, different steering configurations amongst many more. This innovation continues to advance the heavy vehicle industry every day.
PBS Vehicle Combinations we can help with
As a PBS certifier, we are fully equipped to assist you with all Performance-Based Standards (PBS) vehicle combinations, ensuring your heavy vehicles meet the highest safety, productivity, and environmental standards. Get more information on the specific combination types below:
A Triples
AB Triples
B Triples
B Quad
Quad axle semis
Working with a different combination? Get in touch with our team and we will be able to assist.
PBS certification FAQs
-
You can contact an assessor or certifier to get the process moving. If you already own the truck(s) or trailer(s) the best thing to do is engage a PBS certifier such as BTT Engineering first - they can come out, complete their inspection and then provide the correct information for an assessor to complete the design approval.
-
Some examples of enhanced productivity that performance based standards certification provides are:
Logging – 4 Axle truck with 5 Axle dog trailers gaining 67.5t mass
Container – 2 x 40’ container A-Doubles for both heavy and empty operations
Livestock – 2.6+m wide trucks and trailers getting more stability, safety and productivity
General Freight (Curtainsiders, Refrigerated Transport etc.) – 36.5m B-Triple with large productivity gains over typical B-doubles
Bulk Material – Up to 26m Truck and up to 6 Axle dog trailers running up to 68.5t, 26m pocket road trains at up to 74.5t and tandem/triaxle dolly A-doubles at up to 91.6t. Includes construction aggregates, grain, fertilisers etc.
AB Triple – 36.5m long with allowable mass up to 113.5t operations
-
No! Some existing units or combinations are suitable for PBS certification as they are - you just need to obtain a vehicle approval and design approval first. Other units may require modifications to meet the required standards. In this instance, the certifier will complete their inspection first and send to the assessor for a DA application.
-
This depends on whether you are starting from scratch or have an approval already in place, but for clients new to performance based standards certification it is currently estimated to take 4-6 weeks from start to finish.
-
This will depend on your exact requirements - contact BTT Engineering for a quote!