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5. Mass management module

Mass management module

Mass management accreditation helps operators manage their business more efficiently, as a result of clear procedures for ensuring trucks are not overloaded, and reduces the risk of penalties arising from mass offences. It is a quality system that demonstrates the operator can verify that the legal mass of the vehicle is controlled.

The mass management module was developed in partnership with industry for use by operators who, when accredited, will benefit by operating in an environment of minimal interference from government. This also provides an assurance to the community that the safety and protection of the nation’s assets are enhanced.

An accredited operator must know what their trucks weigh when they are loaded to ensure they do not exceed the relevant mass limits. A record of the loaded weight for each trip is kept as proof that the vehicles are within relevant mass limits. It is up to the operator to decide how they prove the vehicles’ weight when they are loaded. Options include use of a weighbridge, on-board scales, estimating the weight from the volume of the load, or a combination of these methods. The important thing is to record the method used and explain how it works. To stay accredited an operator needs to have documentation that proves their system works and their trucks are not overloaded. In part, this means keeping records of vehicle weights. Operators must also be able to prove that they are always following their written procedures.

Mass management module standards

This is an overview of the eight mass standards with which operators must comply and have documented:

1. Responsibilities – the authorities, responsibilities and duties of all positions involved in the management, operation, administration, participation and verification of the mass management system are current, clearly defined and documented.
2. Vehicle control – to ensure that accredited vehicles comply with the operator's mass management system.
3. Vehicle use – a vehicle's mass must be determined by weighing, or by a method of assessment prior to departure, and must allow for any variation.
4. Records and documentation – ensuring that evidence is kept of the successful operation of the mass management system and that all relevant documentation is kept safely and is available to relevant staff and auditors.
5. Verification – the weight of the vehicle and load must be verified to produce an auditable record.
6. Internal review – an annual review to verify all results and activities comply with the system's policies, procedure and instructions.
7. Training and education – the persons who hold a position of responsibility under the mass management system are trained in, and familiar, with the specific policy, procedure and instruction they are to carry out.
8. Maintenance of suspension – all vehicles must have their suspension systems maintained and replaced according to the manufacturers or qualified engineer's specification, taking into account the Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association air suspension code.

Concessional mass limits

Concessional mass limits for the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme in Queensland are available.

For more information please refer to:

• Guideline for Concessional Mass Limits Form 21 – Version 21 (February 2009) (PDF, 47 KB)
• Information Bulletin for Concessional Mass Limits – Version 3.3 (updated February 2009) (PDF, 95 KB)

Additional information

Further information about the mass management module suspension maintenance standard and mass management accreditation standards can be obtained from the National Transport Commission* website.

Contact details

For more information regarding mass vehicle configurations and technical advice, please phone the Department of Transport and Main Roads' Vehicle Engineering and Access Unit on +61 7 3253 4664^†.

For information relating to administration of the scheme, please phone the administrator on +61 7 3253 4041^† or email NHVAS@tmr.qld.gov.au.

^†Higher rates apply from mobile phones and payphones. If calling outside of Queensland, STD rates will apply. Office hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm EST (GMT +10) excluding public holidays.

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