Ratifying solid reputations

The substantial productivity gains available through innovative Performance-Based Standards (PBS) approved trailer designs have caught the attention of many a fleet operator since the high-productivity scheme was introduced in 2007. As margins in the transport industry become slimmer, the reported 20-30 per cent payload increases from some combinations have helped the bottom line of transport companies notably.

To fit more payload in the trailers, combinations are getting longer as, through the uptake of PBS, the previous length restrictions set out by Heavy Vehicle National Law can be tinkered with. Now, longer combinations are approved on a case-by-case basis if they are deemed safe to run on designated Australian roads.

Over the last four decades, Delta Group, has grown to be one of the largest diversified contractors of its kind in the world. Given the scale and capacity of its national operations, it has consistently invested in new trucks, trailers and hooklifts to meet increasing demand.

General Manager Recycling & Logistics, Dominic Santullo, says the Delta Group fleet is the engine room of the Delta’s growth. “I oversee the people, plant and logistical systems that power Delta’s demolition, civil construction, recycling and waste management, asbestos and environmental divisions,” he says. “For a national operation that manages Australia’s largest fleet of plant and equipment, Delta Group invests in quality road transport equipment that is optimised for high performance and efficient route access to meet the expectations of our clients.”

Last month, as part of an ongoing commitment to supporting a growing road transport fleet, Delta Group took delivery of two Scania G500XT prime movers fitted with Level 2 PBS-approved quad-axle dog trailers from Bulk Transport Equipment (BTE).

The order was placed mid-July 2019 and were delivered early November.

“These combinations bolster Delta Group’s Recycling Division and are approved for a gross combination mass of 57.5 tonnes,” Dominic says. “These latest additions to the fleet carry quarry and recycling products. In particular, eco products such as Envirocrete and Envirobase. Delta Group, together with joint-venture-partner, Boral, and has been leading the way in diverting C&D waste from landfill through the development and production of high spec eco products.”

A standout feature of the new PBS combinations, according to Dominic, is their potential for improved inner-city mobility. “Our trucks often navigate site access challenges in and around CBD locations such as metropolitan and suburban Melbourne,” he says. “The latest front and rear load transfer function is a massive benefit for us.
The prime movers are also fitted with safety packs which include lane departure functionality.

PBS vehicles are designed to perform their tasks as productively, safely and sustainably as possible. These vehicles are tested against 16 stringent safety standards and four infrastructure standards, according to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, to ensure that they can stop, turn and travel safely. These vehicles also fall into one of four levels, and have corresponding levels of road networks to which they have access.

BTE, in collaboration with fleets like Delta Group, and associated industry bodies involved in the PBS-approval process, will continue to add significant value to road transport operators Australia-wide. With a solid understanding of the Australia’s bulk haulage requirements, and a specialised in-house engineering expertise, BTE is poised to build industry-leading PBS tippers, dog trailers and hooklifts to optimal specification.

Fast Fact
Bulk Transport Equipment (BTE) is a privately-owned trailer and specialised equipment manufacturer that supports the bulk haulage, waste and services markets with Performance-Based Standards (PBS) combinations including rigid tippers, dog trailers, flat top dog trailers and more.