As many of you know I double up as the editor on our sister publication Truck & Fleet Middle East, and this month news that the UAE was going to enforce new rules on transporters was quickly causing a stir. In short, from the beginning of next year, transporters will only be allowed to run with truck GVWs that don’t exceed 65t.
The UAE is clearly recognising that it needs to preserve the roads it has invested so much into. It also reflects a change in the construction priorities of the country.
Overloading a trailer can significantly compromise its stability and handling characteristics. This can lead to accidents, particularly during turns, sudden stops, or adverse weather conditions. Overloaded trailers are more prone to tipping over, which poses a serious risk to both the driver and other road users.
For the transporters themselves, this will mean they must have to re-think the way they are running their fleets of trucks but it also should cause a re-think in the way the quarry and mining operations work in the country.
Changing trailer rules will have a significant impact on quarrying operations, as these rules often govern the transportation of materials, equipment, and resources to and from mining sites. The effects of such changes can be both positive and negative, and they depend on the specific regulations and how well they align with the needs of the mining industry.
Lowering load rules typically means reducing the maximum weight a trailer can carry. This can have a significant impact on mining operations, as it may require more trips to transport the same amount of materials or equipment, resulting in increased transportation costs and potentially slower production.
With reduced payload capacity, mining companies may need to invest in more trailers or vehicles to maintain their production levels. This can lead to higher capital and operational costs. Longer transportation times due to reduced payload capacity can affect a quarrying operation’s production schedule. Delays in transporting materials or equipment to and from the mining site may disrupt workflow and output. Lower load rules can disrupt supply chain logistics for mining operations. Adjustments may be needed to accommodate the increased volume
of transportation required to meet production demands.
Having said that there are some real upsides to the changes, such as lower wear and tear on vehicles and roads – and of course should lead to better and greener operations. Eventually.
The time of unlimited capacity is over – and unfortunately, now is the time to face it, as financially painful as it will be.
