Accelerated review of VDAM rule to unlock productivity gains asked for
One of two unique 25m trails units previously operated by Toll contractors on Auckland-Christchurch and Auckland-Palmerston North shuttles.
The New Zealand Trucking Association (Association) is urging the Government to fast-track a comprehensive review of the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass (VDAM) Rule 2016, calling for modernised limits on heavy vehicle height, width, length, and axle loads to lift national freight productivity and support a safer, more efficient transport network.
With freight volumes continuing to rise and operators under increasing economic and supply chain pressure, the Association says outdated prescriptive limits are holding the industry back from adopting globally proven innovation, including greater use of Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles and modern pro-forma vehicle designs that support safer and more productive trucks on New Zealand roads.
“New Zealand has an opportunity right now to unlock major efficiency and safety benefits by updating our VDAM settings and accelerating the introduction of PBS and modern vehicle combinations,” says David Boyce CEO New Zealand Trucking Association. “These changes would reduce unnecessary compliance burden, improve productivity, and support the transition to future-fit freight systems.”
Proven Productivity Benefits Across the Tasman
The call comes as Australia continues to demonstrate the success of PBS frameworks in delivering measurable productivity and safety improvements across its heavy vehicle fleet.
An example of an Australian PBS tanker unit with three force steered axles - both rear trailer axles and the rear axle of the dolly.
“Our Australian colleagues have shown what is possible when innovation is supported by smart regulation,” the Dave said. “PBS has enabled the safe deployment of advanced configurations, including PBS-approved A-Double combinations operating at up to 30 metres in length and 85,000kg gross weight, delivering significant gains in freight efficiency, reduced congestion, and lower emissions per tonne moved.”
A Smarter, Safer, More Efficient Freight System for NZ
Revising VDAM to support more productive and safer PBS based designs and pro-forma templates would:
Increase transport productivity, reducing freight costs and emissions by moving more freight with fewer trips
Lower compliance complexity and delays, by providing clear pathways for modern vehicle designs
Improve safety, through enhanced stability, braking, and vehicle technology
Support economic growth, strengthening supply chains and enabling industry investment
David Boyce CEO New Zealand Trucking Association.
“Transport operators across New Zealand are ready to invest in modern, efficient equipment that lifts productivity and safety,” the Dave said. “To unlock that future, we need a regulatory system that encourages innovation, not one that delays it.”
Call to the Government
The Association is calling on Government agencies and industry partners to work collaboratively on a fast-tracked VDAM review that enables:
Wider adoption of modern productive and safe PBS based vehicles
Introduction of updated heavy vehicle pro-forma design templates
Streamlined approval and compliance pathways
Alignment with global best practice
“With freight demand rising and decarbonisation targets in front of us, now is the time to act. Modernising VDAM settings isn’t just about trucks, it’s about building a more productive, resilient, and sustainable economy for New Zealand, he concluded.”