What are the common Vehicle terms and measurements used in the Portal?

Term

Explanation

ATM

Aggregate Trailer Mass

Of a heavy trailer, means the total maximum mass of the trailer, as stated by the manufacturer together with its load and the mass imposed on the towing vehicle by the trailer when the towing vehicle and trailer are on a horizontal surface.

Axle group mass

Provide sum of axle mass.

Axle mass requested

Provide axle mass required for permit.

Distance from previous axle

Specify spacing between each consecutive axle in metres. The distance is measured from the centre of the axle wheel hub to the next axle wheel hub.

Forward projection

The distance of the projection forward of the centre of the steering wheel.

GCM

Gross Combination Mass

Means the total maximum loaded mass of a vehicle and any vehicles it may lawfully tow at any given time–

(a) If the Regulator has, under section 56, specified the total maximum loaded mass of the motor vehicle and any vehicles it may lawfully tow at any given time – specified by the Regulator under that section*; or

(b) Otherwise – stated by the motor vehicle’s manufacturer.

*Note: HVNL Chapter 2, which includes section 56, has not yet commenced and as such jurisdictional definitions may also apply.

GCW

Ground contact width

The distance between the outermost points of the tyres, on the same axle, that is in contact with the ground.

GTM

Gross Trailer Mass

The mass transmitted to the ground by the axles of the trailer when it is loaded to its GVM and connected to a towing vehicle.

Length

Fill in length as per combination for permit.

Load sharing

Select this box if the axle group has load sharing suspension.

Number of tyres

Enter the number of tyres on each axle.

Rear overhang

Removed parts

Specify the items/components removed and their mass for on-road travel (e.g. 10t of counterweight).

Requested mass

Use the highest GCM of the vehicle as per the Manufacturers Certificate.

Spacing

Specify spacing between each consecutive axle in metres. The distance is measured from the centre of the axle wheel hub to the next axle wheel hub.

Steerable axle

Select ‘y’ or ‘n’ for applicable axles.

Total Mass

Specify total vehicle weight (t) for on-road travel.

Tyre size

STEP width or section width

Unladen information

Specify dimensions of the vehicle in its most compact form.

Vehicle dimensions and specifications

Provide all dimensions and masses.

Specify length as per required combination.

Tare mass

The mass of the vehicle(s)/trailer(s) when unloaded.

Total mass

The mass of the combination when loaded.