Performance Based Standards (PBS)

As industry leading consultants, Smedley's Engineers Performance Based Standards experts can manage all of your PBS requirements, from concept to certification & route access approval.

Our PBS Services

PBS Consultation

Our Performance Based Standards (PBS) specialists work with you to understand what is needed & determine the best possible outcome.

Concept & Design

Smedley's Engineers develops the concepts and designs/drawings that are required in order to submit applications.

PBS Assessment

Our team completes the PBS assessment for the concept vehicle & the results are submitted to the NHVR for PBS Design Approval (DA).

Vehicle Approval & Access

A certified Smedley’s Engineer inspects your equipment & creates a Vehicle Approval (VA) ready for route access applications.

Get a quote for your PBS project

Why is PBS the best choice for your business & your customers?

Performance Based Standards (PBS) 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.

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.

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.

 

Years Established

Completed PBS & ADR Certifications

Some of Our Projects

Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD

VISY Logistics

Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD

Nolan's Interstate Transport

Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD

Ron Finemore Transport

Getting PBS certified is a simple 10 step process >>

Smedley's Engineers works to make the Performance Based Standards (PBS) process as easy and efficient for you as possible. This means we help you determine the best possible solutions that will support your business, and we remove the guess-work & challenges involved in getting you what you need. Contact us to find out how we can help you and your business >>

Call for a Quote:

(03) 9421 6697

Frequently Asked Questions >>

 

We've listed all of the questions that clients ask us the most when navigating Performance Based Standards (PBS) for the first time. No one job is ever the same though, so get in touch with us to discuss what you need!

Why do I need PBS?

Performance Based Standards (PBS), as specified by the NHVR, offers the heavy vehicle industry the potential to achieve higher productivity and safety through innovative and optimised vehicle design.

PBS 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, therefore optimising your payload profit.

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.

What weight can I carry?

This is specific to your business. Generally, while PBS is purposed to optimise your payload profit through improved design and the correct selection of tyres and combinations, weight limitations are specific to road access.

Speaking with a PBS consultant will help you determine how much you can carry and if you are able to optimise your payload profit.

Am I carrying enough?

Through consultation and the PBS process, Smedley’s Engineers will help you determine if you have the capacity to carry more for your customers. As a result, you may be able to carry a significantly higher mass and reduce trips, therefore optimising your payload profit.

How much does it cost?

This is specific to your needs and your individual situation. Generally, a new Vehicle Approval (VA) can cost between $3000 - $5000 and Permits (per route) are approximately $225. As costs are specific to the client and subject to change, speaking to a Smedley’s Engineers consultant will help you determine an accurate cost estimate.

Can Smedley's provide all aspects of the Performance Based Standards process in-house?
Yes, as a result of the combined knowledge and expertise of the Smedley’s Engineers team, we are able to deliver all services and steps involved in the PBS process, completely in-house.
Am I able to use any of my existing equipment?
This is specific to your existing equipment and depends on equipment age and specifications (e.g., Do they meet the minimum requirements for PBS?)
Will I need to buy new equipment?
In some cases, purchasing new equipment may be preferable but existing equipment may also be used as part of new combinations. It depends on the existing equipment and whether it meets the minimum Performance Based Standards requirements. Speaking with a Smedley’s Engineers PBS consultant will help in determining this for you.
Is it true that LPV's are no longer accepted?
False. LPV’s can still be used on existing equipment where ABS or EBS is not possible due to age or type. While this could be subject to change in the future, this information is accurate at the time of publication. Please speak with a PBS specialist to confirm.
Can I run any tyres I like?
More tyres are being consistently added to approvals. As a rule, avoiding cheap tyres is often a good way of ensuring your tyres will meet requirements. Tyre selection is specific for each combination and approval, ranging from very specific to generic tyre options.

Potential for change means that it is important to speak with a consultant to determine what is the current standard.

How long is it going to take?
Generally, common combinations can take approx. 2 weeks, whereas more complex combinations can take up to 12 weeks.
Will there be ongoing costs associated with this?
Every 2-3 years, you must apply for a Permit Renewal and, if nothing changes, the costs will be minimal (e.g., approximately $300).  If the permit evolves and additional routes are added, access work can be done by yourself or as paid work by Smedley’s Engineers on your behalf.

Online training is available if you choose to manage access requests by yourself.

Point to point approvals may be required over and above general network access.

What do I need to be compliant?

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What do our clients say about us?

“We were put in touch with Smedley's by our trailer manufacturer. Thanks to Dean & the Smedley’s team doesn’t seem like enough considering how much they've helped our business grow in the past 3 years. We look forward to working together on our next venture!

NOWRYS HAULAGE

I’ve worked with Smedley's Engineers for years. They're always there when you call them and they'll bend over backwards to get the job done.

Smedley's is trustworthy and good value for money.

MAXI TRANS

Who are some of our clients & partners?

Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD
Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD
Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD
Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD
Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD
Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD
Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD
Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD
Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD
Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD
Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD
Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD
Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD
Performance Based Standards (PBS) Smedley's Engineers VIC NSW QLD

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