Innovations see 36 metre A-double Vawdreys and tri-axle Kenworths working for SunRice
The newly-opened Coleambally rice mill in southern New South Wales is relying on a pair of innovative rigs to truck its milled rice to rail terminals in the region.
The Vawdrey A-double two-trailer configuration is 10 metres longer than a regular B-double and carries two shipping containers of up to 30 tonne gross weights on designated routes.
Two sets of drop-deck skels are pulled by two purpose-built Cummins ISX Kenworth T909s, each with provision on the chassis for the installation of a dual-wheel, lift-up Hendrickson pusher axle in front of the drive axle.
SunRice and transport contractor Deniliquin Freighters were granted a special permit for the heavier prime mover and trailer combination by the NSW Government.
The containerised rice is sent by rail to Melbourne, where it is exported to various countries throughout the Pacific.
“The A-double road train is a major step forward for NSW transport, particularly regional agribusiness,” Deniliquin Freighters’ Managing Director Russell Tait says.