Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 1999, makes provision for suitably rated 6-axled articulated vehicles that are carrying shipping containers to operate at higher mass between the Dynon Rail Terminals and the Melbourne wharves.

Maximum weights
The maximum weights allowed are:

steer axle 6.0 t
tandem axle group 18.0 t
tri-axle group 24.0 t
gross mass 48.0 t

Types of vehicles
To minimise stress on the roads and bridges, only articulated vehicles can operate at the higher weights if they have the following:

• a prime mover with a rear tandem axle group having eight tyres,
• a tri-axle semi-trailer having 12 tyres,
• manufacturers' mass ratings that match the laden vehicle's mass, and
• the minimum axle spacings in metres as shown below:

Papers carried by driver
The driver must carry and show on request to a VicRoads' Officer or Police Officer:

• documented proof of the manufacturer's mass ratings of:
  - the prime mover,
  - the semi-trailer, and
  - the steering axle, tandem axle group and tri-axle group

.

Information
For detailed information contact the Statewide Permit Group.