The South Australian Government has announced immediate changes to expand access for more efficient truck and trailer combinations, including 100 new network maps and increased payload capacity on key freight routes.
Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has welcomed the SA Government’s fast-tracked heavy freight reforms, aimed at lifting productivity and lowering fuel consumption across the state’s transport network.
CCAA CEO, Michael Kilgariff, said the reforms highlight the impact of targeted adjustments to freight settings.
“These changes are about getting more out of the infrastructure we already have,” he said.
“Improving access to higher-productivity vehicles allows operators to move freight more efficiently, reducing fuel intensity and lowering operating costs across supply chains.”
Under the reforms, higher-capacity vehicles – including quad-axle trailer configurations for B-doubles – will be permitted, increasing payloads by up to 13 per cent and cutting fuel use by as much as 18 per tonne of freight.
Kilgariff said the changes would deliver practical benefits for industries reliant on heavy materials transport.
“For the heavy construction materials sector, freight efficiency directly influences project costs, timelines and reliability of supply,” he said.
“Measures that improve payload capacity and network access help ensure materials can be delivered where they’re needed, when they’re needed.”
He added the reforms align with recommendations CCAA has been advancing at a national level.
“These reforms align with the practical measures CCAA put forward in our January submission to the NTC, focused on improving freight productivity while maintaining strong safety outcomes,” said Kilgariff.
CCAA noted the changes were developed in consultation with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and industry stakeholders, with safety a central consideration.
“This is a considered approach that balances productivity gains with safety and network capability,” said Kilgariff.
“It also reinforces the opportunity for other jurisdictions to adopt similar reforms that support more efficient freight movement nationwide.
“CCAA looks forward to working with governments on long-term reforms that improve productivity, support decarbonisation and reduce the cost of delivering essential construction materials.”
In other news, data from ARTSA-i suggests there is either a new baseline or temporary pause in new heavy vehicle registrations.
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