First of the Super-Sized Line-haul Trucks Hits the Road in New Zealand

One of the first of the supersized trucks allowed under the new transport regulations will be hitting the road in Auckland this week.

The USA manufactured Freightliner truck has had running gear and bodywork designed and fabricated in New Zealand to allow a total length of 22 metres and when fully permitted and NZ roading standards catch up, has the potential achieve a gross laden weight of 53 tonnes or beyond.

With a total of 10 axles and 36 wheels this giant of the road is the first of several similar vehicles to be owned and operated by Palmerston North based transport operator, Booths Transport Ltd. It will be travelling New Zealand roads between Auckland and Christchurch on a regular basis.

Meeting the latest emissions standards, and with superior fuel economy, the new truck is not only able to carry 13% more volume of freight than previous large linehaul trucks, it is also a huge moving billboard. Straw and Supplement Supplies Ltd is the first advertiser to utilise the gigantic proportions of these new trucks with a creative and head turning panoramic rural New Zealand scene.

Booths Transport Ltd Managing Director, Craig Booth says that the truck signals the start of a new efficient way of moving freight around the country.

“We anticipate be able to transport higher volumes, with fewer vehicles which will be configured to create less wear and tear on our roads and consume less non-renewable resources. While there is still some way to go with NZ roading standards being improved to allow full benefits of these new vehicles, we have pre-empted the situation as a long term strategy”.