PBS Truck & Dog combinations
Truck and dog combinations are one of the most well known performance based standards combinations in existence, consisting of a rigid truck and a dog trailer. Many truck and dogs can operate on their own without PBS certification, however operators are choosing to have their combinations certified to gain access to greater payload capacity and combination length concessions.
*Please note that the below information is to be used as a guide and requirements could be updated at any time by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator or a state government.
What are the different types of PBS truck and dog combinations?
Common PBS truck and dog combinations are listed below. Please note that all masses listed below are maximum limits and depend on vehicle, dog trailer and overall combination axle spacing distances meeting bridge formula requirements
3-Axle Truck and 3-Axle Dogs
3A Truck and 3A Dogs can operate at up to 42.5t under GML and 43.5t under CML at a maximum length of 19m without PBS certification. Under PBS this is increased to a maximum length of 20m and an additional 6t of payload on GML and CML, reaching up to 48.5t and 49.5t respectively.
3-Axle Truck and 4-Axle Dogs
3A Truck and 4A Dogs can operate at up to 42.5t under GML and 43.5t under CML at a maximum length of 19m without PBS certification. Under PBS this is increased to a maximum length of 20m, allowing the user to carry up to 50.5t as a PBS level 1 vehicle and 56t as a level 2 vehicle under GML, with level 2 also allowing up to 57.5t at CML and HML.
3-Axle Truck and 5-Axle Dogs
3A Truck and 5A Dogs cannot operate without PBS certification. Once certified, they can operate at a maximum length of 26m and masses of 59.5t, 61.5t and 63t under GML, CML and HML respectively
3-Axle Truck and 6-Axle Dogs
3A Truck and 6A Dogs cannot operate without PBS certification. Once certified, they can operate at a maximum length of 26m and masses of 63t, 65t and 68.5t under GML, CML and HML respectively
4-Axle Truck and 3-Axle Dogs
4A Truck and 3A Dogs can operate at 42.5t under GML and 43.5t under CML at a maximum length of 19m without PBS certification. Under PBS this is increased to a maximum length of 20m, allowing the user to carry 50t as a PBS level 1 vehicle and 53t as a level 2 vehicle under GML, with level 2 also allowing 54t at CML and HML.
4-Axle Truck and 4-Axle Dogs
4A Truck and 4A Dogs can operate at 42.5t under GML and 43.5t under CML at a maximum length of 19m without PBS certification. Under PBS this is increased to a maximum length of 20m, allowing the user to carry 50t as a PBS level 1 vehicle and 60.5t as a level 2 vehicle under GML, with level 2 also allowing 62t at CML and HML.
4-Axle Truck and 5-Axle Dogs
4A Truck and 5A Dogs cannot operate without PBS certification. Once certified, they can operate at a maximum length of 26m and masses of 64t, 66t and 67.5t under GML, CML and HML respectively
4-Axle Truck and 6-Axle Dogs
4A Truck and 6A Dogs cannot operate without PBS certification. Once certified, they can operate at a maximum length of 26m and masses of 67.5t, 69.5t and 73t under GML, CML and HML respectively
How can BTT Engineering help you get the most out of your PBS truck and dog combination?
BTT Engineering has extensive experience with truck and dog combinations and has the tools to help you navigate the complexities of the entire certification process, including
working out maximum mass limits that your combination dimensions allow
inspecting combinations as a Performance Based Standards certifier
arranging for a PBS assessor to provide a design approval
being able to provide guidance on road access, especially in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
Contact us today to find out how we can help with your specific equipment and requirements.
Related PBS services & other combinations we can assist with
PBS truck and dog combination FAQs
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Some truck and dogs do not require Performance Based Standards approval, with gazettes such as the National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 allowing particular combinations to get benefits previously exclusive to PBS. Each notice document comes with an obligation for operators to be aware of restrictions that are present relating to dimensions and axle limits that must be met. Other truck and dog combinations can operate at higher masses if approved under PBS while combinations involving 5- and 6- axle dogs cannot access roads without PBS approval. BTT Engineering has tools to assist operators in determining whether their particular truck and dog trailer combination can meet the requirements of a notice and the necessary conditions.
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Load limits for truck and dogs depend on the axle configurations and dimensions of the truck and trailer. Refer to the above for guidance as to maximum limits however these may be lower depending on the particular characteristics of your truck and dog trailer.
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A truck and dog combination can be up to 19m long without PBS approval and once approved can have a maximum length of up to either 20m for combinations with a 3- or 4- axle dog trailer or 26m for a 5- or 6- axle dog trailer. The exact conditions of the approval may limit this length. Please note that no notice or approval allows for the width of dog trailers to exceed 2500mm.
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Requirements for road access relating to PBS truck and dog combinations is largely covered by the National Class 2 PBS Level 1 & 2A Truck and Dog Trailer Authorisation Notice, which covers requirements for the two PBS networks. A Level 1 vehicle is also known as a general access vehicle. This notice covers 3 and 4 axle trucks with 3, 4 or 5 axle dogs and allows access to specific road networks in each state without the need for a permit. All the information on these road networks is available to search on each state jurisdiction's website for operators, including any restrictions, local councils, or required conditions from start to finish on a journey. Work is currently underway in transitioning these to the NHVR National Network Map (click here to visit). Click any of these links to access the respective website for details of the specific jurisdictions.
VicRoads (Victoria)
Transport for NSW (New South Wales)
Department of Transport and Main Roads (Queensland)
Department of State Growth (Tasmania)
For transport on local roads beyond the approved network, an access permit is required. To find out all the information required for your truck and dog trailer combination, contact BTT Engineering directly