Approval for a Woolworths’ supplier to run bigger trucks in the ACT is being hailed as a win for safety and good sense.

Ron Finemore Transport will run innovative new semi-trailers around the nation’s capital after earning approval under the Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme.

The company can now use 20 metre semi-trailer combinations which can each carry 26 pallets - six more than previous semi-trailers were allowed to accommodate.

The bigger trucks are will deliver freight to Woolworths and the Woolworths-owned Dan Murphy stores across the ACT.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), which is charged with managing PBS among other scheme, says the benefits are clear.

The NHVR says bigger loads mean fewer trucks on roads, in this case an estimated average of 10 per cent fewer trips.

“This reduction in trips will see up to 304,000 less litres of diesel used per year and 820 less tonnes of C02 created,” NHVR’s Sal Petroccitto said.

“With the addition of the ACT, the PBS Scheme now has approved vehicles running through all states and territories, which means that Australia now has a truly national PBS network.”

Betting on success, Ron Finemore Transport is rolling out 27 prime movers and 43 PBS trailers straight away.

Owner Ron Finemore says his new rigs are fitted with electronic brake systems, electronic stability control, LED lighting and side under-run protection. Trailers will feature wide, single tyres and lower rolling resistance to improve fuel efficiency. The wider track widths increase roll stability as well.

The combination rigs are decked in high-visibility outline reflectors along their trailers.

The company has been engaged in the PBS application process established sine the new national heavy vehicle regulations were introduced.

“Before, we had to get up to 27 permits for each prime mover from New South Wales authorities, as well as seeking a large number of permits from ACT and Victoria,” Finemore told industry press FullyLoaded.

“Now, since the new national law commenced, our whole PBS operation for this task is covered by a single permit managed and issued by the NHVR.”

"The PBS scheme is about getting the right vehicles on the right roads, while offering industry the potential to achieve higher productivity and safety through better vehicle design," Petrocitto says.