Brazil faces 59-ton tractor-trailer proposal

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Carga Pesada  /  July 1, 2016

If approved by Brazil’s National Traffic Council (Contran), a request from the Union of Paraná Cargo Transport Companies (Setcepar) will cause significant changes in the Brazilian truck market.

In conjunction with the Curitiba-based TRS Engineering, Setcepar is proposing changes in Resolution 210 to allow Vanderleias (trailers with 3 spaced axes) and Cangurus (trailers with two axles together and a third axle spaced apart) can be pulled by 8x2 or 8x4 tractors.

In the proposal, the tractor-trailers would have a Gross Combination Weight (GCW) of 59 tonnes (130,073 lb), two more than the seven axle B-trains, and an overall maximum length 19.8 meters (65 ft).

Current regulations only allow Vanderleias and Cangurus to be pulled by 6x2 or 6x4 at a maximum GCW of 53 tonnes (116,845 lb).

"If the application is approved, it will be very beneficial to the forestry industry," says Setcepar head Gilberto Cantú. "With a single trailer, you will have a much lower cost," he adds.

TRS Engineering mechanical engineer Rubem Melo was responsible for the technical study of the proposal. "Today, 8x2 and 8x4 tractors can only legally pull standard spacing 3-axle trailers. We propose that truck operators also be allowed to operate them with spaced axle trailers, "he said.

“The proposed specifications are not harmful to the roads and bridges,” said Melo. "The weight per meter is not increased, and therefore does not increase load concentration. In addition, because axle weights are not increased, there is no greater wear on roads.”

Setcepar and TRS Engineering also proposed to Contran that the minimum length of tractor trailers with GCWs over 57 tonnes (B-Trains and Road Trains) be decreased from  25 meters (82 ft) to 22 meters (72.2 ft).

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