Prime mover trucks are vehicles designed to transport heavy goods such as construction equipment, fuel, cement, or logs. Prime mover trucks, also known as cargo trucks or heavy trucks, were designed to have a larger payload. This means they can carry much more cargo than smaller pick-ups and vans. They are typically used in industry and are purchased with special financing.

Types of Prime mover trucks

1. B-Double Types

Crates are loaded onto trailers connected by the fifth wheel and then secured to the prime mover truck. These are often known as B-doubles. Although there has been a push for fewer B-double trucks and trailers on Australian roads, they continue to be a prevalent feature of our road infrastructure.

2. Semi-Trailer

These are trailers towed by semi-trailers and have a second cab that sits atop the prime mover truck. These are often used to transport goods such as logs and fuel but are becoming a popular way for businesses to transport goods within Australia.

3. Prime mover towing a semi-trailer

Prime mover trucks that tow a semi-trailer are usually used to transport heavy, large goods such as construction equipment. These semi-trailers, known commonly as B-doubles, can carry an enormous amount of cargo and cause high congestion on Australian roads. As such, the number of these trucks has been limited through legislation.

4. Prime mover with semi-trailer towing a pig trailer

Prime mover trucks can be fitted with a pig trailer to allow the prime mover to tow a semi-trailer. Pig trailers are used in farming, especially pig farms, to transport pigs. They are pulled by prime mover trucks and have a large slatted bed that allows grain/feed materials to be dropped on them. This transporter is commonly used for transporting livestock between farms and warehouses, as well as transporting feed from depots to pig farms.

5. Prime mover with semi-trailer towing a dog trailer and a pig trailer

These prime mover trucks are pulled by a semi-trailer towing a pig trailer. In the back of the trailer is another pig trailer that transports pigs.

Why Prime Mover Trucks are Important

Below are reasons why Prime Mover trucks in Australia are important to the transport industry:

1. They provide an efficient way of transporting heavy cargo

The prime mover truck has become an essential tool for transporting large quantities of materials from one place to another. This is due to them being designed with the capacity of carrying a heavy load at the back. For instance, the prime mover truck can carry up to a maximum load of 41 tonnes.

2. They are flexible

The prime mover truck can be easily transported on and off the road. It is easy to tow with a trailer and therefore is easy for engineers to use in different areas of Australia, this means they can access remote locations which would otherwise be difficult or unlikely for other vehicles like trucks.

3. They are safe

Despite being a dangerous industry, prime mover trucks have evolved in terms of safety features. Safety features such as seatbelts and airbags have enabled prime mover trucks to provide a safe working environment for the driver as well as any passengers they may also carry. Numerous safety features ensure the driver and passengers can be kept safe if there is an accident at work.

Prime mover trucks are an essential part of the Australian transport industry, being a flexible and efficient means of transporting goods. Safety is also important to the industry, which is why prime mover trucks have evolved to ensure that drivers and passengers are kept safe during accidents.