50MAX is a new generation of truck that allows for safe and more efficient transport of freight goods.50MAX is a new generation of truck that allows for safe and more efficient transport of freight goods.
A new generation of truck
50MAX vehicle combinations have one more axle than conventional 44-tonne vehicles combinations, meaning the overall truck load is spread further and there is no additional wear on roads per tonne of freight. This means 50MAX gives operators an option to carry increased payloads on parts of the network that, while economically important to New Zealand, carry lower volumes of freight.
The increased payloads of 50MAX can lead to economic benefits for producers, customers and our communities. Allowing bigger trucks on our roads reduces the number of truck trips needed to move the same amount of freight.
50MAX tyre configurations
Drive axles on tractor units and all trailer axles must be twin tyred for 50MAX truck and trailers, and for B-trains, to meet the 50MAX criteria or neutral pavement wear.
The 50MAX concept relies on neutral pavement wear to be viable on lower strength roads. The TERNZ report clearly shows the extensive use of twin tyres, therefore 50MAX has always been based on twin tyres in order to retain neutral pavement wear and to enhance the opportunity to grow the 50MAX network.
Find out more information about 50MAX trucks
- Information for operators and manufacturers
Information for operators and manufacturers - Information for road controlling authorities
Information for road controlling authorities - Read the Vehicle dimensions and mass permitting manual
Read the Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual
50MAX newsletters
Read issues of 50MAX updates , our newsletter for 50MAX permit holders:
- April 2016
April 2016 - March 2016
March 2016 - February 2016
February 2016 - January 2016
January 2016 - December 2015
December 2015 - November 2015
November 2015 - October 2015
October 2015 - August 2015
August 2015 - July 2015
July 2015 - June 2015
June 2015 - May 2015
May 2015 - March 2015
March 2015 - February 2015
February 2015 - December 2014
December 2014 - November 2014
November 2014 - October 2014
October 2014 - September 2014
September 2014 - August 2014
August 2014 - July 2014
July 2014
If you are a 50MAX permit holder and not receiving this newsletter, please contactIf you are a 50MAX permit holder and not receiving this newsletter, please contactinfo50MAX@nzta.govt.nzor call us on 0800 699 000. or call us on 0800 699 000.
50MAX news
State Highway 1 from from North Cape to Bluff on 50MAX
A significant breakthrough has been achieved for freight efficiency with the opening of the Whirokino Trestle Bridge on State Highway 1 in Horowhenua to 50MAX.
Transport Agency Freight Director Harry Wilson says the restriction on the bridge south of Foxton was lifted after an extensive engineering assessment. ‘This is excellent news for 50MAX operators and local communities who stand to reap the benefits,’ says Mr Wilson. He says the 1100-metre reinforced concrete bridge which runs across the Manawatu flood plain was the last 50MAX restricted bridge along State Highway 1, meaning the whole length of the country from North Cape to the Bluff is now 50MAX compatible.
Having the Whirokino Trestle freed up for 50MAX traffic is going to be a significant time saver for 50MAX operators and provide major efficiency gains as it will remove the need to divert these trucks via Shannon and Palmerston North. Mr Wilson says the lifting of the restriction applies only to 50MAX, other high productivity motor vehicles (HPMVs) will need to continue to use the route specified on their permits.
Meanwhile, the number of 50MAX permits continues to rise. As at 1 October 2014, a total of 1843 permits were issued – less than a year after the permits were introduced. Mr Wilson says 50MAX trucks have the same high safety standards that are required of other HPMVs (including increased resistance to roll over and the inclusion of electronic braking systems), meaning they are trucks that are not only more efficient, but also safer.
He welcomed the fact that many operators are investing in even more safety measures, such as speed limiting, GPS monitoring, weight load cells and electronic stability control meaning they are trucks that are not only more efficient, but also safer.safer.