Wednesday 25 March 2026
The Port of Brisbane is leading the way for Higher Productivity Freight Vehicle (HPFV) innovation, with five new HPFV combinations successfully trialled on Fisherman Islands in the last 12 months delivering productivity increases for operators.
Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL), together with the Office of the Chief Engineer within the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), has facilitated successful on-road trials for transport operators including MEDLOG, South East Queensland Hauliers and Arrow Transport.
The new combinations are offering productivity increases of between 50% - 100% compared to other heavy vehicles’ container carrying capacity.
These instrumented trials are used to validate simulation studies and engineering assessments conducted by the Office of the Chief Engineer, assisting the NHVR evaluate the safe operation of the HPFV combinations and develop safety controls where necessary.
The following new HPFVs have been granted permits to operate on defined routes within Fisherman Islands, under strict safety and operational conditions:
- MEDLOG B-Triple – increasing productivity of the Super-B by 50% carrying capacity, transporting empty containers between parks and depot.
- South East Queensland Hauliers:
- Electric A-Triple – a 50% increase in productivity to the A-Double carrying capacity, when carting empty containers between parks and depot.
- Super A-Double – a 100% increase in productivity to the A-Double carrying capacity, and a 33% increase on the Super B – for 4 x Heavy Grain Containers between their depot and the terminals
- Heavy A-Double – a 50% increase in productivity to the A-Double carrying capacity – for 3x Heavy Grain Containers between their depot and the terminals.
- Arrow Transport A-Triple – a 50% increase in productivity to the A-Double carrying capacity – for both laden and empty containers for its export customer.
These build on earlier HPFV innovations trialled and operating at the Port of Brisbane from Qube Logistics, who were the first to be issued a permit for its B Triple in 2020 followed by the introduction of its Australia-first Super B-Double Double-Stacked and Super B-Triple Double-Stack vehicles (both in 2023), and ACFS Port Logistics, who deployed a Super B-Triple combination on Port roads, in 2023.
PBPL CEO Neil Stephens said HPFVs were playing a growing role in moving freight within the port, improving efficiency while supporting sustainability.
“We’re pleased to support the safe introduction of new Higher Productivity Freight Vehicles by our customers at the Port of Brisbane. They help lift productivity while also responding to wider industry challenges such as driver shortages and sustainability priorities including emissions reduction,” said Mr Stephens.
“Queensland is growing, and so is the freight task. In FY25, the Port handled more than 1.6 million containers, with around 98% transported by road.
“Our Vision 2060 research shows Queensland’s population is expected to grow from 5.5 million to 8.3 million by 2060, with container volumes tripling and freight movements increasing. It’s essential we work together to manage the growing freight task in an efficient, sustainable and connected way.
“As Port Manager, we’re also focused on ensuring Port roads can safely support these HPFVs and future logistics needs. Whether maintaining existing roads or building new ones, we’re investing to ensure Port infrastructure is ready for the next generation of port logistics.”