Longliner

The term Longliner was invented by road freight lobby. It will measure 25.25 metres in length but will weigh 'only' between 40 and 50 tonnes. The reason for this new emphasis on length rather than weight is easily explained: research has now clearly shown that road infrastructure, in particular bridges, would suffer greatly under the weight of a 60 tonne truck. The enormous costs that would result frighten politicians.

However, what the mega truck lobby is trying to sell as a compromise – only 25 metres but not 60 tonnes, is just one step on the path to their ultimate goal of a 60 tonne truck. It follows that once the longer 25 metre truck has been given the green light, pressure will grow on politicians to allow the gross vehicle weight to increase as well. After all, these vehicle were designed for 60 tonnes right from the very start.

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