Steve Divers (right) receiving a letter acknowledging the permit milestone from Commercial Transport Manager Dermot Harris.
In another example of how quickly 50MAX has become an integral part of the New Zealand transport industry, the number of permits issued has passed 10,000.
During September Farmers Transport became the holder of the 50MAX permit number 10,000. Permit applicant Steve Divers says “50MAX has become a benchmark for operating efficiently and now a minimum standard for vehicle design for our associated companies. We look forward to continued development to create one complete network to assist our customers in sustainable and appropriate freight increases”.
NZ Transport Agency Freight Portfolio Director David Silvester says reaching permit number 10,000 in just three years is testament to the hard work put in by the industry and local and central Government.
“This is a major milestone to hit just three years after 50MAX was introduced, and shows how this new class of High Productivity Motor Vehicle (HPMV) has quickly become a vital part of the freight network. This allows firms to move goods more efficiently resulting in productivity gains throughout the economy.”
“Our freight task continues to grow as New Zealand’s economy expands. HPMVs including 50MAX are crucial to managing that ongoing growth while reducing congestion on some of the busiest parts of our State Highway network,” David says.