A specific Port Low Loader Scheme has been implemented to facilitate the unloading of flat rack and open top containers in the Melbourne container wharves precinct. Some flat racks or open top containers containing one or more large indivisible item/s cannot be transported by conventional freight-carrying vehicles within regulatory mass and dimension limits. Hence, there is a need to facilitate prime mover and low loader combinations transporting these flat racks and open top containers within the Port precinct.
Once in an off-road area, the flat rack or open top containers must be unloaded, and if necessary washed to meet quarantine requirements. Then the indivisible items must be transported separately to their destination on conventional freight vehicles within regulatory mass and dimension limits, or if necessary, the appropriate oversize and overmass load carrying vehicle.
Three month permits are available for a prime mover and low loader capable of transporting a flat rack or open top container within the Port precinct, provided that:
1. Travel is only between Webb Dock, Appleton Dock, Swanson Dock, Dock Link Road and Sims Street via the following roads:
- MacKenzie Road;
- Sims Street (no travel over the large drain, nor under structures if laden height is greater than 4.3 metres)
- Anderson Road;
- Enterprize Road;
- Appleton Dock Road;
- Coode Road;
- Dock Link Road;
- Footscray Road (no travel over Shepherd Bridge);
- Wurundjeri Way;
- Lorimer Street;
- Todd Road;
- Williamstown Road (west of Todd Road);
- Dockside Road.
2. The load must consist of one single flat rack or open top container which may contain one or more large indivisible items that cannot be transported on conventional freight-carrying vehicles within regulatory mass and dimension limits;
3. The maximum axle and axle group mass limits are:
- 7 t – single steer axle;
- 26 t – tandem axle group with four tyres per axle;
- 34 t – tri-axle group with four or eight tyres per axle at 1.2 metre axle spacings; and
- 42 t – quad-axle group with four or eight tyres per axle at 1.2 metre axle spacings or 1.2/ 2.4/1.2 metre axle spacings.
4. The maximum gross mass of the laden vehicle combination is the sum of the above maximum axle and axle group mass limits;
5. The maximum laden dimensions of the prime mover and low loader combination are:
- 1 metre main deck height;
- 3.5 metres wide;
- 25 metres long; and
- 5 metres high.
6. The distance between the centre of the rear drive axle to the centre of the first trailer axle must be a minimum of:
- 7 metres for a tri-axle low loader; and
- 8 metres for a quad-axle low loader;
7. There are no travel time restrictions for travel along:
- MacKenzie Road;
- Anderson Road;
- Enterprize Road;
- Crossing Footscray Road at Dock Link Road;
- Dockside Road; and
- Coode Road;
- Appleton Dock Road;
- Dock Link Road;
- Sims Street;
- Williamstown Road (west of Todd Road).
8. Travel during morning and evening peak times is not permitted along Footscray Road, Wurundjeri Way, Lorimer Street and Todd Road. Refer to Clause 8 of the Additional Permit Conditions document for details;
9. The vehicle manufacturer’s ratings must not be exceeded, including being able to start from a standing position at its maximum gross mass on a 6% up-grade and descend a 6% grade; and
10. The driver and vehicle participates in the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme - Mass Management Module.
Note that this initiative does not permit:
- The use of a dolly in the low loader combination; or
- The transport of fully enclosed containers.
The operating conditions and access arrangements for high productivity ‘port’ vehicles are currently under review consistent with improving Port efficiency and promoting intermodal operations. Consequently, operating conditions and access arrangements may change in the future.
To obtain permits of three months duration, contact the Statewide Permit Group.