Introduced in October 2007, Performance Based Standards (PBS) is an Australian Government approved scheme that provides truck and transport operators with the opportunity to achieve higher productivity, sustainability and safety through innovative and optimised vehicle design.
PBS vehicles can carry higher volumes of payload to the required destination, as well as gain access to more efficient routes. In some cases, PBS vehicles have been able to carry loads up to 60% higher, which is a game changer in terms of profitability & sustainability.
PBS is best described by the National Heavy Vehicle Register (NHVR) here:
“PBS approved vehicles are designed to perform their tasks as productively, safely and sustainably as possible, and to operate on networks that are appropriate for their level of performance. The basic principle of PBS is matching the right vehicles to the right tasks”.
View The Smedley's Engineers Performance Based Standards (PBS) Services Here >>
The Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme has proven to be a true game changer in the transport industry, allowing many businesses the opportunity to drastically increase their payload profit and carry higher masses.
Possible Benefits of PBS
- Increase gross combination mass
- Increase cubic capacity
- Improve productivity and freight efficiency
- Innovative and optimised vehicle designs for specific applications
- More flexible combination and vehicle design rules
- Improved safety
- More sustainable transportation task
PBS vehicles are tested against 16 stringent safety standards and 4 infrastructure standards to ensure they fit the existing road network and are safe. PBS has been enforced since October 2007.
"What do I need for PBS?"
For your vehicles to be PBS compliant, certain specifications must be met and approved. This is dependent on the design itself, tyres, load and routes. You need to seek consultation with a PBS specialist and go through the process of inspection, design and vehicle approval, certification and route access support. Smedley’s Engineers provides all of these services in-house and is able to support you from the initial consultation to final approval.
To learn more about what Performance Based Standards (PBS) can do for you and your business, contact Smedley's Engineers today to speak with one of our expert PBS consultants.
Alternatively, you can refer to our PBS services page here for detailed information and FAQs that may answer some of the questions you have.