Achievements
The Truck Industry Council (TIC) is recognised as the primary supplier advocate for policy, technical and regulatory aspects of the nation's truck fleet. Working closely with State and Federal Government, the council has been able to secure significant achievements on behalf of its members.
The initial primary objective of TIC was to have old and no longer relevant Australian Design Rules (ADRs) removed. These obsolete ADRs did nothing for safety or environmental performance, but were costly to meet. One such example was a drop test on fuel tanks designed for petrol, however all trucks have used the less flammable diesel for at least 20 years.
The TIC was instrumental in negotiating the maximum length of the B-double combination increase from 25.0 metres to 26.0 metres. The extra metre was for the prime mover only and by allowing the longer wheelbase, prime movers made the on road dynamics of a safe combination even better. TIC subsequently achieved an increase in steer axle weights for all trucks over 15.0 tonnes GVM. These vehicles, which can carry 6.5 tonnes on the steer axle, are fitted with front underrun protection, meet the European cab strength standards, and are supplied with the latest low emission engines.
TIC has hosted conferences and seminars on the future of truck regulations suggesting that a holistic approach to regulations is essential. For example, a symposium highlighting the issues facing the urban freight task was hosted in 2008, and has assisted policy makers in this area. This general policy has been very well accepted by all levels of Government.
The Truck Industry Council has also been involved in the development of Performance Based Standards, the general requirements for Modular B-triples, and the need for older trucks to meet minimum environment standards.
TIC was instrumental in negotiating a realistic schedule and list of requirements for the adoption of tougher exhaust emissions standards for heavy vehicles in Australia. To this end, ADR80/02 and ADR80/03 allowed alternative standards of compliance from European, American and Japanese standards. TIC is now working with the federal government to consider the next stage in emissions standards, and is also a key contributor to the government's study on Australia's energy security.
The TIC aims to provide the Australian market with the safest, greenest and most productive trucks in the world to meet the essential task of transporting freight across the country.