By MIKE TZOUNIS
WETTENHALL Logistics has rolled out two new Super B-double trucks at its Dandenong depot, in a move to cut truck trips and double productivity.
The trucks will operate mostly on the Eastern and Monash freeways, are limited to 90 kilometres per hour and are monitored via GPS to ensure they stay on specified routes.
They’ll contribute to State Government plans to put larger, safer and more productive freight vehicles on the road, as outlined in Victoria – The Freight State report which was released on 13 August.
The Super B-doubles are expected to operate between Dandenong, the Port of Melbourne and associated empty container parks near the Port of Melbourne.
Victorian Transport Association (VTA) CEO Neil Chambers said the family company had invested about $1 million in the vehicles.
“Having the ability to move four TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) on the one vehicle both to and from the port instead of three on a B-double or two on a semitrailer will reduce truck trips tremendously for the company,” he said.
“As is the trend generally, more and more of the Wettenhall Logistics container transport work involves 40-foot containers rather than 20-foot containers.
“Using the Super B-doubles to carry two 40-foot containers as opposed to the cartage of only one on a B-double or on a semi will deliver a 100 per cent productivity gain each trip.”
Using fewer trucks is also going to help the company reduce its fuel bills and energy emissions as well as alleviate driver stress.
“These are also some of the safest heavy vehicles on our roads,” Mr Chambers said.
“The vehicles are monitored by Intelligent Access Program (IAP) certified GPS, have EBS braking technology, and brand new Mack prime movers with the latest engine and safety designs.
“We are extremely glad that these vehicles are now on the wider road network as we know that it is the start of an exciting journey.
“We have no doubt that they will demonstrate to the government, the community and to industry, that they are safe, productive, efficient, and the way of the future.”
