Mass Management is one of the modules of the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme, and accreditation in this module allows operators to carry higher than legislated weights once all conditions have been met.
This site adopts a practical approach to mass management accreditation but may not necessarily cover all aspects.
Additionally, mass is not suitable to everyone. After reading the information offered we urge anyone interested to first give us a ring or send us an email to confirm that this accreditation is an option for you. For some operators, mass management accreditation is simply peace of mind for when they load and have to pass through a weighbridge operated by the authorities.
If you wish to become accredited in Mass Management after having read through this website, please see the Accreditation page for further information as to how we can assist.
What is mass management?
The intent of mass management can be summed up in a few words. The accreditation is about having ".... a system of loading to correct axle group weights and gross weight at the time of loading and prior to departure depending on the road on which the vehicle intends to travel". Note that mass applies to axle group weights and gross weight.Your system of loading can vary between electronic scales, air-weigh gauges, weighbridge, container weights, manifests, loader scales, or any other method which gives an indication of weight at the time of loading. Whatever system you use needs to be verified at least once a month on a registered weighbridge, unless of course you are always loading on a weighbridge.
Mass Management is a national scheme although each of the states has its own individual rules, and applies to specified heavy vehicles with a GVM exceeding 4.5 tonne. However, mass accreditation is not offered in Western Australia which has its own accreditation schemes and mass limits. Operators based in Western Australia who wish to go into mass management for trips to the eastern states must join NHVAS Mass through the accreditation office in South Australia. Likewise, operators in Tasmania must join through the accreditation office in Victoria.
Who can be accredited in mass management?
Before going into mass management, the following factors should be taken into account:- the GCM of the vehicle
- the roads on which the vehicles will be used (and garaged and serviced) to gain optimum weight
- the states in which the vehicles will operate
- the configuration of the vehicles
- whether or not the setting-up and on-going costs of accreditation will be economically viable
The legal maximum weights for heavy vehicles have not changed although some vehicle configurations can gain higher weights through various other schemes. The legal maximum gross of a single-articulated combination is 42.5 tonne; a B-Double is 62.5 tonne. To exceed these weights means that an operator ....
- has been accredited in NHVAS Mass Management
- is carrying the gazettes and/or approvals appropriate to the vehicle configuration
- only nominates vehicles with an appropriate GCM
If you cannot comply with these conditions you should not exceed the legal weights
What weights can be gained through mass management accreditation?
There are three levels of mass limits - GML, CML and HML:.
- General Mass Limits: The legal weights as mentioned above are 42.5 tonne and 62.5 tonne with restrictions on roads being only those which are specifically signposted
- Concessional Mass Limits: The tolerances once given by the authorities prior to 01 July 2006 was given back to mass accredited operators as Concessional Mass Limits. The upper weight limits are 43.5 tonne for a single; 64.5 tonne for a B-Double. In essence, Concessional Mass Limits gives 1 additional tonne to vehicles up to 55 tonne and an additional 2 tonnes to vehicles over 55 tonne, spread across both the drive and tri-axle group/s (see table below for axle group weights)
- Higher Mass Limits:Allows weights to 45.5 tonne for single-articulated configurations; weights to 68 tonne for B-Double configurations, with vehicles being restricted to those roads gazetted for Higher Mass Limits. Higher Mass Limits in some states is conditional upon entry into the Intelligent Access Program (IAP)
What suspensions apply to mass management?
Obviously there are two types of suspensions on heavy vehicles - springs and air bags. Concessional Mass Limits applies to both spring and air bag suspensions and vehicles are not restricted as to roads provided they are suitable for heavy vehicles. However, to gain the full weight to Higher Mass Limits vehicles must be fitted with certified road-friendly air bag suspension or springs which are certified as being equivalent to road-friendly air bags. In Victoria it is possible to gain Higher Mass Limits with a spring truck and certified road-friendly air bag suspensions on the trailers, but an operator will lose 1/2 tonne off the maximum weight.
GCM of vehicles
Maximum weights can be limited by the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of a vehicle. Some older vehicles have a GCM of only 45 tonne, which is the highest achievable weight even if both prime mover and trailer have road-friendly air bag suspension. It is possible to contact the manufacturer of the prime mover, give the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and ask whether or not the manufacturer would be prepared to re-rate the vehicle to (say) 46 tonne based on the current specifications of the vehicle.The manufacturer can supply a letter stating the re-rated GCM weight. The re-rated GCM should be included in the accreditation records of the operator and a copy of the letter carried in the vehicle. To avoid problems if intercepted, it is highly recommended that the manufacturer's letter be submitted to the registering body with a request to have the GCM formally noted on the registration certificate.
It is necessary to have verification of the suspensions of both hauling and trailing vehicles. All manufacturers of suspensions must supply their technical drawings for matching against VSB11 of the ARTSA Code. They are then issued with a certificate stating the road-friendly (RF) number. For example, Airliner 46K is RF2013, BPW is RF2019, etc.