The associations representing trucking operators, manufacturers and suppliers have released a comprehensive braking guide to assist industry members understanding of current braking combinations.

“Understanding brake and stability ratings for truck and trailer combinations that have varying brake technologies is a key to achieving best practice in the trucking industry,” the ATA’s Senior Advisor, Engineering, Chris Loose, said today.

The guide was developed by the ATA Industry Technical Council (ITC), the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association, the Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association, the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Australia, Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia and the Truck Industry Council.

“This guide is a product of many hours of hard work, and is based on the collective experience of operators, suppliers, regulators and industry groups. However it does not replace, vary or modify existing laws and regulations,” Mr Loose said.

“The guide aims to assist everyone in the Australian road and freight industries, but is specifically directed towards operators and suppliers of heavy vehicles.

“It details valuable information on heavy vehicle combinations and the impact of varying braking and stability technology across the combination, understanding the performance rating tables, trouble shooting, modification and settings for trailer braking, as well as a general background on braking and stability.

“There are a lot of different kinds of vehicles and brake combinations on the Australian market and on our roads, and understanding their technicalities and limitations allows everyone to operate more safely and efficiently,” Mr Loose said.

The ITC functions as a policy committee within the ATA, where information can be exchanged. The ITC was established in 1995 to inform, educate, and support the trucking industry state-of-the-art maintenance and technical procedures.

Further information about the ITC, including member benefits and the membership application form are available in the ITC Membership Kit.