National parcel carrier, Australia Post, has introduced a new A-double into its linehaul operations.
Pulled by a 540 horsepower rated Volvo FH, the A-double combination is running direct from its Sunshine depot in Victoria to its Sydney Parcels Bulk Lodgement facility in Chullora.
The new combination, which has an approved payload of 68.5 tonnes under the NHVR’s Intelligence Access Program, features an ABS-EBS trailer set built by BPW.
According to Terry Bickerton, Australia Post Head of Fleet & Equipment, the PBS-approved A-double is unique as it runs direct up the Hume Highway door to door.
“This provides greater volumes of parcels directly to the facilities,” he said.
“It’s being used for loose load parcels as part of the increased demand for freight driven by online purchasing,” said Bickerton.
It went into operation officially on 21 January after 12 months of careful evaluation.
“It has provided us with valuable information around loading, unloading, vehicle types and changeover areas,” said James Dixon, General manager of Networks.
More A-double sets are already in production for Australia Post.
The company has been running a high performace freight vehicle from its Dandenong facility in Melbourne to the wharf for some time.
“Having PBS approval on the latest combination is a great adjunct to that,” said Bickerton.
“The next one we’re looking at running from Melbourne to Brisbane.”