Heavier truck permits welcomed by freight sector

Heavier truck permits welcomed by freight sector

Today’s announcement by Transport Minister Steven Joyce of a new permit system allowing for heavier trucks on designated roads has been welcomed by the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation.

CBAFF President Willie van Heusden says he was heartened to see the Government taking a more integrated approach to transport needs.

“This announcement has the potential to enable the transport of three TEU containers per load, which will certainly achieve the desired productivity gains,” said Mr van Heusden. “The amount of freight being transported around New Zealand continues to grow year on year, and this new scheme will mean fewer truck journeys are needed to meet that growing demand.”

CBAFF was keen for relevant stakeholders to discuss and agree on which road corridors would be designated as suitable for the heavier vehicles. Mr van Heusden said central and local government support for infrastructure development on key roading corridors would be vital to maximise benefits.

“We need to ensure that our roading corridors to and from key ports are upgraded to take full advantage of this initiative.

“And as productivity gains are realised savings should be passed back to the importing and exporting community.”

The full Rule Amendment is available on the Ministry of Transport website (www.transport.govt.nz) and on the NZ Transport Agency website (www.nzta.govt.nz).

ENDS

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