PBS B Triples Combinations
B-Triples are an increasingly popular freight vehicle within the industry due to their productivity, safety and other flow-on benefits. They consist of a prime mover towing two lead trailers and one rear trailer. Often these Prime Movers and Trailers are standard units that would ordinarily be used as a single trailer or B-Double configuration. As a result, existing trailers can be repurposed to form a B-Triple and B-Triples can be broken down into single trailer and B-Doubles when required. This allows the operator greater flexibility and more importantly lowers the business risk associated with trialing something new. The transport industry is expected to continue adopting B-Triples and other innovative solutions to meet the demands of a growing economy.
Lowering business risk with conventional equipment
A large barrier to freight companies investing in innovative new transport solutions is the large upfront investment and uncertainty around the return on investment. There are stories out there where operators have paid large sums for a 'yard ornament' that they are unable to use. This is where using conventional equipment that an operator already possesses is so appealing. In the case of trailers marked for use in a B-Triple combination, the owner can operate as a B-Double while waiting for PBS certification, access permits or other items such as TMA or Smart OBM to be completed. Further to this, if an in-service B-Triple is not able to access a particular route the same trailers can be broken down and used as singles or as a B Double.
What are the different types of PBS B Triples combinations?
Broadly speaking there are three types of B-Triples that can operate under PBS. The first is known as a Pocket B-Triple which is created by putting an additional tandem axle lead trailer in front of a 19m tandem-tandem B-Double set, creating a B-Triple combination that is typically kept to less than 26m in overall length. Weights on Pocket B-Triple combinations can be up to 74.5t. Similar to 19m B-Doubles, they are used off the main linehaul routes where a greater level of manoeuvrability is required. Typical freight tasks include Forestry & Milk Tankers.
By far the most common type of B-Triple involves a standard 26m B-Double (most commonly with tri-axle groups) with an additional lead trailer. The overall length allowed for this type of B-Triple is a very generous 36.5m with most combinations using standard prime movers coming in at 33-34m. This overall length allowance and good performance of B-Triples both in terms of low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed dynamics means the types of trailers and prime movers that can be used are not restrictive compared to other types of PBS Combinations due to having minimal impact on the safety of other road users. Due to the fairly common configuration of B-Double trailers it also tends to be straightforward to comply with the Victoria High Productivity Freight Vehicle Reference Vehicles.
A third type of PBS specific B-Triple is created by using Super B trailers. Starting with a 30m long 42 pallet super B-Double, an additional 18 pallet lead trailer is added. This stretches the combination out to 42m in overall length and allows for carriage of 60 pallets. Whilst 42m long combinations are currently not common the cubic freight capacity of these units makes them an attractive option for linehaul routes where access is possible.
How can BTT Engineering help you get the most out of your PBS B Triple combination?
At BTT Engineering we have helped many transport operators set up B-Triples to operate under the performance based standards scheme. We can offer expert advice and guide you every step of the way. Below is a summary of the services we can offer:
Essential (for PBS Certification)
PBS Certification of units and creation and/or maintenance of the Vehicle Approval (This requires a PBS Certifier as operators are not permitted to do this themselves)
Optional
Choose Design Approval to be used and liaise with PBS Assessor to complete assessments
Apply for any access permits required
Complete NHVAS accreditations
Provide introduction to third-party Telematics and Smart OBM provider
Apply for Victoria Rail Crossing Permits
Provide Chain of responsibility services and training to maintain compliance with NHVL regulations
Related PBS services & other combinations we can assist with
PBS B Triple combination FAQs
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A standard B-Triple using Triaxle trailers can carry up to 91.6t at HML. This is a 33% increase in weight over a conventional tri-tri B-Double. There are many structures that these vehicles are not allowed to cross at these masses which can make access difficult. Many operators however utilise B Triples for cubic freight and only carry in the 70-80t range giving them large benefits in terms of increased cubic capacity and good access to major freight routes.
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This depends on what routes you require access to, please contact our team for more information regarding access requirements.
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Yes, on some road train routes it is possible to run prescriptive B Triple combinations without a PBS Vehicle Approval.
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Typically a B-Triple operating under the Performance Based Standards scheme will have an overall length of between 30 and 36.5m. This is a result of using standard size trailers, in some specific applications using non-standard trailers B-Triples can be setup to be less than 30m or or longer than 36.5m up to 42.5m.
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Yes, B-Triples are commonly setup by repurposing existing assets. Due to their good simulation performance, the required dimensions are typically not restrictive meaning that most standard lead and rear B double trailers are suitable. In terms of pallet sizes typically 10 or 12P leads can be used and 20, 22 or 24P rear trailers. Below are some keys points to ensure your trailers are PBS ready
Fitted with a Load Proportioning Valve (LPV), Antilock Braking System (ABS) or Electronic Braking System (EBS). Note that LPV is not suitable for operation as a High Productivity freight vehicle (HPFV) in Victoria
Road Train Rated (must state road train rated on compliance plate, be certified via a modification plate with S11 code, or for new trailers be ticked as road train capable on the Register of Approved Vehicles)
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Quite simply an extra lead trailer taking the total number of trailing units to three. This results in a large productivity gain over a B Double both in terms of weight carried and and cubic volume.
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Both combinations can provide fantastic benefits to the transport operator, the solution that you choose comes down to the existing assets you have and the specific freight task you would like to complete. Below is a non-exhaustive list of the key of the key reasons to choose one or the other.
A-Double
2 load spaces rather than 3 can simplify loading and unloading
Ability to carry two 40-foot containers
Easier to shorten to <30m overall length with standard units
B-Triple
Make use of existing assets
Greater flexibility with trailers that can be used
Doesn't require the purchase of a dolly
Can be broken down into conventional B-Double
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HPFVs are a type of combination in Victoria that includes B-Triples; they are designed to increase payload capacity and reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
HPFV combinations must meet specific performance-based standards (PBS) and additional safety and infrastructure regulations imposed by Vicroads to ensure safety and efficiency.
Vicroads provides guidance on the operation of HPFV combinations, including B-triples.
Compliance with HPFV requirements in Victoria generally means access is possible in other National Heavy Vehicle Regulator jurisdictions as other states have based regulations on the Victorian model