Trucking CEO outlines “massive transformation” of industry

Trucking industry CEO outlines “massive transformation” of industry

The introduction of Vehicle Mass and Dimension (VDAM) permits for trucks has led to huge productivity gains, Ken Shirley, Chief Executive of the Road Transport Forum, has told the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation (CBAFF) conference.

Mr Shirley said that the benefits of VDAM, introduced in 2010, had largely flown under the radar. The change increased maximum permitted weights for trucks with permitted axle configurations from 44 tonnes to 62 tonnes on defined routes.

This was further updated in 2013 to permit trucks with permitted axle configurations of up to 50 tonnes on most roads.

“There has been a massive uptake in permits since 2010,” said Mr Shirley. “Three thousand 50-maximum permits have been issued in the last 18 months and it means bigger, better, newer and fewer trucks on our roads with associated benefits such as reduced emissions.

“A massive transformation of the road fleet has taken place, which has required a significant investment by transport operators, but this has largely flown under the radar.”

The CBAFF conference is being held at the Rydges Hotel in Wellington.

ENDS

© Scoop Media