Multiple items on Class 1 load-carrying vehicles

The Heavy Vehicle National Law outlines the requirements when transport more than one large indivisible item or other goods with a large indivisible item on a Class 1 load-carrying vehicle.

Requirements for carrying multiple items

More than one large indivisible item can be carried, provided that:

  1. the vehicle, together with its load, complies with the general mass limits; and
  2. any additional large indivisible item(s) carried does not result in the combination exceeding another dimension requirement that would not be exceeded if only one item was carried.

Additional indivisible items must not be loaded:

  • if the large indivisible item is less than 2.5m wide but the additional item would result in the width of the combination exceeding 2.5m
  • if the combination, when loaded with the large indivisible item, is less than 4.3m high but the additional item would result in the height of the combination exceeding 4.3m
  • if the combination, when loaded with the large indivisible item, is less than 19m long but the additional item would result in the length of the combination exceeding 19m
  • if the combination when loaded with the large indivisible item exceeds the general mass limits; or
  • if the combination, when loaded with the large indivisible item, complies with the general mass limits but the additional item would result in the combination exceeding general mass limits.
     

Multiple items and length

Multiple items must not be loaded if it results in the length of the vehicle together with the load exceeding 19m. This is regardless of the combination length.

Example of a compliant heavy vehicle at 19m carrying two indivisible items.
Figure 1: Example of a compliant heavy vehicle at 19m carrying two indivisible items

In this scenario a 19m long combination is loaded with two items that exceed height and width limits, because the combined mass of the items does not cause the combination to exceed the general mass limits and are within the 19m length requirement – it is compliant. 

Example of a non-compliant heavy vehicle at 19m carrying two indivisible items.
Figure 2: Example of a non-compliant heavy vehicle at 19m carrying two indivisible items

In this scenario a 19m long combination is loaded with two items that exceed height and width limits, the combined mass of the two items does not cause the combination to exceed the general mass limits, however the additional item causes the vehicle to exceed its 19m – it is non-compliant.

Example of a compliant heavy vehicle greater than 19m carrying multiple indivisible items.
Figure 3: Example of a compliant heavy vehicle greater than 19m carrying multiple indivisible items.

In this scenario a combination is loaded with three indivisible items that exceed width and height the combined mass of the items does not cause the combination to exceed the general mass limits and are within the 19m length requirement – it is compliant.

Example of a non-compliant heavy vehicle greater than 19m carrying multiple indivisible items.
Figure 4: Example of a non-compliant heavy vehicle greater than 19m carrying multiple indivisible items.

In this scenario a combination is loaded with four items that exceed width and height, the large indivisible item at the rear causes the prescribed length of 19m to be exceeded – it is non-compliant.

Multiple items and width

A vehicle carrying a large indivisible item may carry other items, provided they do not result in the vehicle exceeding the width of the indivisible item.

Example of a compliant heavy vehicle greater than 19m carrying multiple indivisible items.
Figure 5: Example of a compliant heavy vehicle greater than 19m carrying multiple indivisible items.

In this scenario a long combination is loaded with a large indivisible item, plus an additional item not wider that does not exceed the width of the original item, the combined mass of both items is less than general mass limits, and less than 19m long – it is compliant.

Example of a non-compliant heavy vehicle greater than 19m carrying multiple indivisible items.
Figure 6: Example of a non-compliant heavy vehicle greater than 19m carrying multiple indivisible items.

In this scenario a long combination is loaded with a large indivisible item wider than 2.5m, plus an additional item that is wider than the large indivisible item, and the combined mass of both items is less than general mass limits, and less than 19m long – it is non-compliant.

Multiple items must not be loaded side by side if it results in the overall width exceeding 2.5m metres, regardless of trailer width.

Multiple items and mass

A vehicle carrying a large indivisible item may carry other items, provided they do not result in the vehicle exceeding general mass limits.

Example of a compliant heavy vehicle greater than 19m carrying multiple indivisible items.
Figure 7: Example of a compliant heavy vehicle at 19m carrying multiple indivisible items within general mass limits.

In this scenario a 19m long combination is loaded with two items, the additional load is contained within prescribed length limit of 19m, and within general mass limits - it is compliant.

Example of a non-compliant heavy vehicle greater than 19m carrying multiple indivisible items.
Figure 8: Example of a non-compliant heavy vehicle at 19m carrying multiple indivisible items exceeding general mass limits.

In this scenario a 19m long combination is loaded with two items, the additional load (second dozer) is contained within prescribed length limit of 19m, but general mass limits are exceeded - it is non-compliant.

Oversize SPVs or agricultural vehicles and multiple items

A load-carrying vehicle carrying a special purpose vehicle (SPV) or agricultural vehicle may also carry equipment, tools, substances or detached parts to be used in conjunction with the vehicle being carried.

For more information see Special Purpose Vehicles or Agricultural vehicle pages. 

www.nhvr.gov.au