A-Triple Combination Trial Marks Important Step Forward at the Port of Brisbane

Tasman Logistics Services has reached an important milestone in progressing its proposed heavy vehicle access arrangements, successfully completing an on-road trial of its A-Triple combination at the Port of Brisbane.

BTT Engineering was proud to be part of the A-Triple trial, supporting the planning and coordination process and working alongside Tasman Logistics, the Port of Brisbane, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and participating port facilities.

The trial allowed project stakeholders to observe the vehicle operating in real-world conditions and gather performance data across the proposed routes. The encouraging outcome provides a strong platform for the next stage of the access process.

Assessing the A-Triple combination in real operating conditions

An A-Triple combination is a higher productivity vehicle comprising a prime mover and three trailers. By increasing freight capacity within a single vehicle movement, A-Triples have the potential to improve freight efficiency when operated on suitable routes and under appropriate access conditions.

During the Port of Brisbane trial, the A-Triple combination was assessed across the proposed operating routes, including movements through key port facilities. This allowed the project team to evaluate the vehicle in its intended environment rather than relying solely on desktop assessment.

Around 10 representatives attended on the day to observe the combination and capture vehicle performance data. This evidence will help inform the ongoing assessment of the proposed access arrangements.

BTT Engineering’s role in the A-Triple trial

BTT Engineering worked with Tasman Logistics and the wider stakeholder group to help progress the A-Triple combination trial. Our involvement included supporting trial planning and coordination, contributing to engagement with relevant parties and helping bring together the operator, regulator, road manager and port facilities.

Coordinating an on-road heavy vehicle trial requires more than arranging a vehicle movement. It involves establishing a clear trial plan, confirming the proposed route, engaging affected stakeholders and ensuring the right information can be collected to support the access proposal.

This collaborative approach gave stakeholders the opportunity to see how the A-Triple combination performed under actual port operating conditions and to build an evidence base around its real-world performance.

Collaboration supporting higher productivity freight

The successful trial demonstrated what can be achieved when operators, engineers, regulators, road managers and facility operators work together to properly assess a higher productivity vehicle proposal.

We would like to thank Nicola Murray from the Port of Brisbane, Cameron Brown from DP World Container Park, Wayne Jenkins from ACFS, NHVR Chief Engineer Les Bruza and the NHVR Engineering team for their support, coordination and involvement in the trial.

Their participation helped ensure the A-Triple combination could be observed across the relevant operating environment and that useful performance information was captured for the next stage of the project.

A positive step for freight efficiency at the Port of Brisbane

For Tasman Logistics, completing the A-Triple combination trial represents a significant step in demonstrating the capability of the proposed vehicle and progressing its access pathway.

There is still work to be completed before the proposed operations can move forward, but the trial result was very encouraging. It provides the project team with practical evidence and a stronger foundation for continued engagement with the relevant authorities and stakeholders.

The trial was a great result for Tasman Logistics, a proud project milestone for BTT Engineering and a positive development for higher productivity freight movements at the Port of Brisbane.

Need support with an A-Triple combination or heavy vehicle access proposal?

BTT Engineering helps transport operators progress complex heavy vehicle access proposals from initial concept through to on-road assessment.

Our capabilities include:

  • heavy vehicle route planning and assessment;

  • higher productivity vehicle trial coordination;

  • engagement with regulators, road managers and facility operators; and

  • preparation of supporting technical and operational information.

If you are considering introducing an A-Triple combination, another higher productivity vehicle or working through a challenging heavy vehicle access pathway, BTT Engineering can help bring the right parties together and support the process.

Eddie van den Berg