AU2021107536A4

AU2021107536A4 - A double road train vehicle

Info

Publication number: AU2021107536A4
Application number: AU2021107536A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Beniamino Mario Alberto Blasetti
Original assignee: Third Zeton IP Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Third Zeton IP Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-15
Filing date: 2021-09-01
Publication date: 2022-01-06
Anticipated expiration: 2027-06-04
Also published as: AU2019203909B2; AU2019203909A1; AU2023200876B2; AU2023200876A1

Abstract

Heavy vehicles are split into three classes under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), which takes into account the size and weight of the vehicle and determines the road networks able to be accessed by the vehicle. Vehicles may gain exemptions to the size and weight classes of the HVNL by satisfying the Performance Based Standards (PBS), permitting the vehicles to access road networks that would otherwise not be allowed under the HVNL. Embodiments generally relate to a double road train vehicle comprising a prime mover towing two trailers which meets the PBS Level 2 Class B requirements. In particular, embodiments relate to an A-double with a 4-3-4 axle configuration, measuring more than 30 metres and less than 36 metres in length, and which meets the PBS Level 2 Class B requirements. 7/7 0E 0e I-., ab Lli Ca r 014 w1 ar

Description

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"A double road train vehicle"

[0001] This is a divisional application of Australian Application No. 2019203909, which claims priority from Australian patent application 2019900866, filed 15 March 2019. The contents of each application listed in this paragraph are fully incorporated by reference herein

Technical Field

[0002] Disclosed embodiments relate generally to a double road train vehicle. In particular, embodiments relate to a vehicle having a prime mover towing two trailers.

Background

[0003] Heavy vehicles (vehicles with a gross vehicle mass over 4.5 tonnes) are categorised into three classes under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) of Australia. These classes generally correspond to the different road network access requirements of different types of heavy vehicles. Along with function, the mass and dimensions of the heavy vehicle are factors in determining its classification. For example, general freight-carrying vehicles that are longer than 19 metres are classified as Class 2 heavy vehicles.

[0004] Under the HVNL, road trains are Class 2 or Class 3 heavy vehicles used to move freight by land over large distances. Goods transported by road trains include bulk materials such as bulk liquid and dry bulk. Examples of such bulk materials include coal, iron ore, grain and wood chips, as well as other categories of products such as dairy and produce.

[0005] It is desirable to maximise the amount of freight transported by a road train per trip, in order to reduce transportation and environmental costs. However, certain heavy vehicles may not be permitted to access certain parts of the road network. This may result in a longer route or an inability to directly access certain locations with certain vehicles. Consequently, there is a trade-off between the amount of freight transported per trip and road network accessibility.

[0006] The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) also administers a set of rules called Performance Based Standards (PBS), which can provide exceptions to the mass and dimension classification limitations of the HVNL. The PBS categorises vehicles into one of four levels based on their performance according to 16 criteria.

[0007] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages of prior double road train vehicles, or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

Summary

[0008] Some embodiments relate to a double road train vehicle, comprising:

a prime mover comprising at least three driven axles and towing a first trailer and a second trailer, wherein the first trailer is coupled to the prime mover and the second trailer is towed by the first trailer; and

a dolly connecting the first trailer and the second trailer;

wherein the first trailer and the second trailer each have a group of four axles, each axle arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, each group having a foremost axle and a rearmost axle, and wherein the rearmost axles of the first trailer and the second trailer are self-steering;

wherein the dolly has three axles, each axle arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to define a foremost axle and a rearmost axle;

wherein a length of the vehicle is more than 30 metres and less than 36 metres, as measured along the longitudinal axis from a first extremity at the front of the prime mover to a second extremity at the rear of the second trailer.

[0009] The at least three axles of the prime mover may be part of a set of rear axles longitudinally spaced apart from each other and including a foremost rear axle and rearmost rear axle, wherein each of the foremost rear axle and the rearmost rear axle may be a driven axle.

[0010] A first distance between the foremost rear axle of the prime mover and the rearmost axle of the first trailer, a second distance between the foremost axle of the first trailer and the rearmost axle of the dolly, and a third distance between the foremost axle of the dolly and the rearmost axle of the second trailer, may be about the same distance.

[0011] The first distance between the foremost rear axle of the prime mover and the rearmost axle of the first trailer, the second distance between the foremost axle of the first trailer and the rearmost axle of the dolly, and the third distance between the foremost axle of the dolly and the rearmost axle of the second trailer, may be each at least 11 metres.

[0012] The first distance between the foremost rear axle of the prime mover and the rearmost axle of the first trailer, the second distance between the foremost axle of the first trailer and the rearmost axle of the dolly, and the third distance between the foremost axle of the dolly and the rearmost axle of the second trailer, may be each about 11.02 metres.

[0013] A fourth distance between the rearmost rear axle of the prime mover and the foremost axle of the first trailer, afifth distance between the rearmost axle of the first trailer and the foremost axle of the dolly, and a sixth distance between the rearmost axle of the dolly and the foremost axle of the second trailer, may be about the same distance.

[0014] A fourth distance between the rearmost rear axle of the prime mover and the foremost axle of the first trailer, afifth distance between the rearmost axle of the first trailer and the foremost axle of the dolly, and a sixth distance between the rearmost axle of the dolly and the foremost axle of the second trailer, may each be at least 3.4 metres.

[0015] The fourth distance between the rearmost rear axle of the prime mover and the foremost axle of the first trailer, the fifth distance between the rearmost axle of the first trailer and the foremost axle of the dolly, and the sixth distance between the rearmost axle of the dolly and the foremost axle of the second trailer, may each be between about 3.4 metres and about 3.6 metres.

[0016] At least one of the trailers maybe configured to carry a container. The container may be a tank for containing dry bulk matter, for example. The container may be a tank for containing liquid, for example. The tank may comprise interior baffles and/or bulkheads for reducing the movement of the liquid through the tank. The tank may comprise separate compartments and a valve system, each compartment in fluid communication with the valve system on the trailer configured to allow filling or drainage of each compartment. The container may comprise an intermodal container for containing unitised loads, for example.

[0017] The length of the vehicle may be more than 31 metres and less than 35.5 metres. The length of the vehicle may be more than 31.3 metres and less than 32 or 33 metres. The length of the vehicle may be more than 31.355 metres and less than 31.5 metres or may be more than 32 metres and less than 33 metres.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0018] Figure 1 is a side view of some embodiments of a double road train vehicle comprising a prime mover towing two trailers, wherein the first trailer is connected to the second trailer by a dolly.

[0019] Figure 2 is aside view of the vehicle of Figure 1, wherein the two trailers are each carrying a liquid tank.

[0020] Figure 3 is a side view of the prime mover of the vehicle of Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 4 is a side view of the first trailer of the vehicle of Figure 1.

[0022] Figure 5 is a side view of the dolly and second trailer of the vehicle of Figure 1.

[0023] Figure 6A is a side view of the dolly of the vehicle of Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 6B is a side view of the second trailer of the vehicle of Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 7 is a side view of some embodiments of a double road train vehicle comprising a prime mover towing two trailers, wherein the first trailer is connected to the second trailer by a dolly.

Detailed Description

[0026] Disclosed embodiments relate generally to a double road train vehicle. In particular, embodiments relate to a vehicle having a prime mover towing two trailers.

[0027] Vehicles assessed under the PBS are classified into one of four levels in accordance with the National Transport Commission's (NTC) 2008 Standards and Vehicle Assessment Rules ("the NTC Rules"). The NTC's 2007 PBS Network Classification Guidelines ("the NTC Guidelines") stipulate that a vehicle approved at a particular level is eligible to operate on the road network of the same classification level or higher, subject to road manager approval.

[0028] While vehicle length is an important factor in considering access to particular road networks, vehicle length is not the only factor in determining access. For example, a longer vehicle with more articulation points can complete the same radius turn as a shorter vehicle with fewer articulation points. Consequently, the NTC Guidelines further identify Class A and Class B vehicles under the PBS, wherein Class B vehicles can exceed the lengths stipulated for Class A vehicles. Vehicles under PBS Levels 2-4 can be further classified as either Class A or Class B vehicles. There is no Class B for PBS Level 1.

[0029] Class A vehicles have the following lengths and road network access. A PBS Level 4 vehicle is typically a 53.5 metre (maximum) long Type 2 road train, and is limited to the 53.5 metre Type 2 road train network. A PBS Level 3 vehicle is typically a 36.5 metre (maximum) long Type 1 road train, and may access the Type 2 road train network as well as access the 36.5 metre Type 1 road train network. A PBS Level 2 vehicle is typically a 26 metre (maximum) long B-double, and may access the aforementioned road train networks as well as access the 26 metre B-double network. A PBS Level 1 vehicle is typically a 19 metre (maximum) long prime mover and trailer, and may access the aforementioned road networks as well as access the general public road network.

[0030] Class B vehicles have the following lengths. A PBS Level 4 vehicle typically measures between 53.5 metres and 60 metres. A PBS Level 3 vehicle typically measures between 36.5 metres and 42 metres. A PBS Level 2 vehicle typically measures between 26 metres and 30 metres.

[0031] A vehicle that exceeds the upper length in a level may still be approved for use on that level's corresponding road network, pending an individual route assessment as per the NTC Guidelines. For example, a 31m long vehicle can still be approved for use on PBS Level 2 Class B roads.

[0032] In consideration of road network accessibility, it is desirable for transport operators to maximise the amount of freight transported using PBS Level 1 and Level 2 vehicles. In particular, a vehicle complying with PBS Level 2 Class B requirements would provide a good balance between wider road network accessibility and the amount of freight transported.

[0033] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a double road train vehicle 100, comprising a prime mover 110 comprising at least three driven axles. The prime mover 110 tows a first trailer 130 and a second trailer 170, wherein the first trailer 130 is coupled to the prime mover 110, for example by a fifth-wheel coupling 120 on the prime mover 110. The second trailer 170 is towed by the first trailer 130 via a dolly/fore-carriage 150 connecting the first trailer 130 and the second trailer 170. The second trailer 170 may also connect to the dolly 150 by a fifth-wheel coupling 220, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

[0034] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the first trailer 130 and the second trailer 170 each have a group or set of four axles 132, 172, with each axle in the set arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 102 of the vehicle 100, wherein the longitudinal axis 102 is parallel to the forward direction of travel of the vehicle 100. The axles of the first and second trailers 130, 170 are arranged so that a first/foremost axle 134, 174 is followed by a second axle 136, 176, a third axle 138, 178, and a fourth/rearmost axle 140, 180.

[0035] In some embodiments, the rearmost axles 140, 180 of the first trailer and the second trailer are self-steering. The self-steering axle arrangement may assist the vehicle 100 with meeting the Low Speed Swept Path (LSSP) assessment criterion under the PBS. The LSSP is the maximum width of road space required for a vehicle to complete a 900 low-speed (typically less than 5km/h) turn.

[0036] Referring to Figure 6A, the dolly 150 has three axles, and similar to the trailers, each axle is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the vehicle so that one of the three axles is a foremost axle 152 and one of the three axles is a rearmost axle 156. As with the trailers 130, 170, the dolly's axles are arranged so that the first/foremost axle 152 is followed by the second/middle axle 154, and the third/rearmost axle 156. The dolly 150 has a drawbar 158 which is connects the two trailers 130, 170. The length of the drawbar 158 may be adjusted to achieve a minimum axle spacing, for example a minimum axle group to axle group dimension.

[0037] This arrangement of the trailers 130, 170 and the dolly 150 results in a vehicle 100 that can be referred to as an A-double with a 4-3-4 axle configuration. An advantage of the 4-3-4 axle configuration over other axle configurations featuring fewer axles is that the 4-3-4 configuration distributes the mass of the vehicle over a larger contact area. This may assist the vehicle with meeting the Pavement Vertical Loading and Bridge Loading assessment criteria under the PBS.

[0038] A typical A-double combination will have less impact on short-span bridges, due to its greater number of axle groups compared to conventional B-doubles with consecutive tri-axle groups. Given the aforementioned desirability for vehicles to access the Level 2 road network, typical A-doubles approved under the PBS feature a 2-2-2 axle configuration, a 3-2-3 axle configuration, or a 3-3-3 axle configuration, as the required minimum axle group spacing means that the lengths of these vehicles fall within the 30 metre length maximum for PBS Level 2 Class B vehicles. Conventionally, an A-double with a 4-3-4 axle configuration would have exceeded this maximum length as a result of the required minimum axle group spacing.

[0039] Referring now to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the at least three driven axles of the prime mover are part of a set of rear axles 113. The rear axles in the set are longitudinally spaced apart from each other and include a foremost rear axle 114 and a rearmost rear axle 116. For example, a four-axle prime mover may have one front axle 111 and a set of rear axles 113 comprising three rear axles 114, 115, 116, as shown in Figure 3. In some embodiments, the axles 114, 115 and 116 are driven axles.

[0040] In some embodiments, the prime mover 110 has three driven axles. It is envisaged that the rearmost rear axle 116 is a driven axle, as a vehicle 100 comprising a prime mover 110 with a driven rear axle may improve the vehicle's startability, gradeability, and/or hauling ability when assessed under the PBS. Startability is defined as the capability of a vehicle to start moving when on the steepest grade of road on its nominated route, while gradeability is defined as the ability of a vehicle to maintain forward motion on a specified grade.

[0041] Some embodiments of the first trailer 130 or second trailer 170 may respectively feature an electric drive on at least one of the axles. This may be useful in providing extra torque to assist the prime mover 110 in moving the vehicle 100 from rest, in particular when assessing startability. Typically, the front axle of the trailer is driven by the electric drive. However, some embodiments may omit the electric drive, for example where the electric drive might present an ignition risk to a particular material being transported.

[0042] The prime mover 110 maybe a truck or other type of tractor unit capable of hauling a towed load. For example, different configurations of the Kenworth K200 truck can have three driven rear axles. Other suitable prime movers include the Volvo FH or Volvo FM series of trucks or Mack tri-drive trucks.

[0043] In some embodiments, the vehicle measures more than 30 metres and less than 36 metres in length, as measured along the longitudinal axis 102 from a first extremity (or frontmost point) at the front of the prime mover to a second extremity (or rearmost point) at the rear of the second trailer. In other embodiments, the vehicle measures more than 31 metres and less than 35.5 metres. In yet another embodiment, the vehicle measures more than 31.3 metres and less than 32 metres. For example, the vehicle may be approximately 31.355 metres to 31.5 metres in length. It is desired that all of these embodiments meet the PBS Level 2 Class B requirements. For example, the maximum allowable Level 2 LSSP is 8.7 metres. These embodiments may have a LSSP below this limit; for example, a LSSP of 7.1 metres.

[0044] The length of the vehicle is affected by the minimum axle spacing requirements specified in Schedule 1 Part 2 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. For a road train, the axle spacing is measured between the axles of the prime mover and the adjoining trailer, and between the axles of the dolly and adjoining trailer(s).

[0045] Minimum axle spacing requirements are per the Table below.

Distance Measured between: Minimum required A (First The foremost rear axle of the prime mover and the 11 metres distance) rearmost axle of the first trailer B (Second The foremost axle of the first trailer and the distance) rearmost axle of the dolly C (Third The foremost axle of the dolly and the rearmost axle distance) of the second trailer D (Fourth The rearmost rear axle of the prime mover and the distance) foremost axle of the first trailer E (Fifth The rearmost axle of the first trailer and the 3.4 metres distance) foremost axle of the dolly F (Sixth The rearmost axle of the dolly and the foremost axle distance) of the second trailer

[0046] In some embodiments, the minimum distances A-C are about the same, and the minimum distances D-F are about the same or are within a small range of each other. For example, in the vehicle shown in Figure 1, distances A-C each measure about 11.02 metres. Furthermore, distances D-F each measure between about 3.4 metres and about 3.6 metres.

[0047] In some embodiments, the spacing between the axles 134, 136, 138, 140 of the first trailer 130 is between 1.15 metres and 2 metres, for example about 1.5 metres. Similarly, in some embodiments the spacing between the axles 174, 176, 178, 180 of the second trailer 170 measures between 1.15 metres and 2 metres, optionally about 1.5 metres. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the spacing between the axles 134, 136, 138, 140 and the spacing between the axles 174, 176, 178, 180 may be around 1.54 metres. In some embodiments, the spacing between the dolly axles 152, 154, 156 is around 1.5m. This axle spacing can be increased to around 1.7m in order to produce a vehicle with a 4-3-4 axle configuration that has an overall length less than 36m to meet the PBS Level 2 Class B length requirements.

[0048] The axle spacing also affects the mass directed to the road surface at each axle. Axle spacing and mass limits are related in Schedule 1 Part 2 of the Heavy Vehicle

(Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. Different Australian States and Territories have different allowed masses. In Western Australia, vehicles such as the embodiment shown in Figure 1 are allowed to direct the following masses to the road surface from the following locations: Centre of front axle of the prime mover = 7 tonnes Centre of rear axle set of the prime mover = 23.5 tonnes Centre of axle set of the first trailer = 28.5 tonnes Centre of axle set of the dolly = 23.5 tonnes Centre of axle set of the second trailer = 28.5 tonnes

[0049] In South Australia and in the Northern Territory, vehicles such as the embodiment in Figure 1 are allowed to direct the following masses to the road surface from the following locations: Centre of front axle of the prime mover = 6.5 tonnes Centre of rear axle set of the prime mover = 22.5 tonnes Centre of axle set of the first trailer = 27 tonnes Centre of axle set of the dolly = 22.5 tonnes Centre of axle set of the second trailer = 27 tonnes

[0050] Another embodiment of the vehicle 100 is a vehicle 700, as shown in Figure 7. Similar reference numerals apply to both. For example, vehicle 700 tows a first trailer 730 and a second trailer 770, which are analogous to the first trailer 130 and the second trailer 170. The vehicle 700 has a pair of steerable front axles 711 and 712, wherein the pair of prime mover front axles 711, 712 can apply a load of 12 tonnes (measured from the centre of the pair of axles 711, 712) to the road surface. Furthermore, the vehicle 700 as shown in Figure 7 has a set of driven rear axles 713 comprising three driven rear axles 714, 715, 716. Embodiments of the vehicle 700 may have a length between about 32 metres and about 33 metres.

[0051] Embodiments of the A-double with a 4-3-4 axle configuration disclosed herein may be used to transport various loads on the Level 2 road network and the tri-drive road network. Advantageously, these networks may include roads and motorways used by the general public. These loads may include fuel tanks (such as for carrying petroleum and its derivatives), chemical tanks, and refrigerated units carrying dairy products, for example.

[0052] In Figure 1, the trailers are shown carrying an unspecified type of container. Figure 2 shows the vehicle of Figure 1, wherein the trailers are carrying liquid tanks 190. In some embodiments, these tanks 190 may comprise baffles, bulkheads, and/or separate compartments to reduce sloshing of the liquid through the tank. Sloshing shifts the centre of gravity of the tank and consequently affects the balance of the vehicle. An advantage of separate compartments is to allow different liquids to be stored in each compartment of the same tank, such as different grades of fuel.

[0053] Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, where separate compartments are present, each compartment of the tank is in fluid communication with a valve system 200 configured to allow filling or drainage of each compartment. The valve system 200 is disposed on the trailer 130, 170. In some embodiments, the valve system 200 comprises four outlets to fill or drain the compartments of the tank, wherein one valve and outlet is in fluid communication with at least one tank compartment.

[0054] Alternatively, the container carried on the trailer is an intermodal container for containing unitised loads, such as pallets or crates. The vehicle 100 or 700 may have a skeletal body style. In some embodiments, such as when the container is a liquid tank, the container is integrated into or integrally formed with the trailer and not removably connected to the trailer chassis.

[0055] The trailers 130, 170 may also carry containers adapted to accommodate bulk materials such as coal and iron ore.

[0056] It is noted that in some regions the term "semitrailer" may be used to collectively refer to the combination of a prime-mover (or truck) and trailer. Herein, unless otherwise stated, the term "trailer" will be used to refer specifically to the towed vehicle, and this towed vehicle may be a semitrailer or other towed vehicle, such as a dog trailer.

[0057] This specification references parts of the HVNL, PBS, NTC Guidelines, NTC Rules, and applicable Regulations ("the Documents") to provide contextual background for the embodiments disclosed herein. Reference should be made accordingly to the Documents for their specific disclosures. It is also noted that the disclosures of the Documents may change over time, for example to suit changing legislation.

[0058] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

[0059] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0060] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A double road train vehicle, comprising:

a dolly connecting the first trailer and the second trailer;

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least three driven axles of the prime mover are part of a set of rear axles longitudinally spaced apart from each other and including a foremost rear axle and rearmost rear axle, wherein each of the foremost rear axle and the rearmost rear axle is a driven axle.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein a first distance between the foremost rear axle of the prime mover and the rearmost axle of the first trailer, a second distance between the foremost axle of the first trailer and the rearmost axle of the dolly, and a third distance between the foremost axle of the dolly and the rearmost axle of the second trailer, are about the same distance.

4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the first distance between the foremost rear axle of the prime mover and the rearmost axle of the first trailer, the second distance between the foremost axle of the first trailer and the rearmost axle of the dolly, and the third distance between the foremost axle of the dolly and the rearmost axle of the second trailer, are each at least 11 metres.

5. The vehicle of any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the first distance between the foremost rear axle of the prime mover and the rearmost axle of the first trailer, the second distance between the foremost axle of the first trailer and the rearmost axle of the dolly, and the third distance between the foremost axle of the dolly and the rearmost axle of the second trailer, are each about 11.02 metres.

6. The vehicle of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a fourth distance between the rearmost rear axle of the prime mover and the foremost axle of the first trailer, a fifth distance between the rearmost axle of the first trailer and the foremost axle of the dolly, and a sixth distance between the rearmost axle of the dolly and the foremost axle of the second trailer, are about the same distance.

7. The vehicle of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein a fourth distance between the rearmost rear axle of the prime mover and the foremost axle of the first trailer, a fifth distance between the rearmost axle of the first trailer and the foremost axle of the dolly, and a sixth distance between the rearmost axle of the dolly and the foremost axle of the second trailer, are each at least 3.4 metres.

8. The vehicle of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the fourth distance between the rearmost rear axle of the prime mover and the foremost axle of the first trailer, the fifth distance between the rearmost axle of the first trailer and the foremost axle of the dolly, and the sixth distance between the rearmost axle of the dolly and the foremost axle of the second trailer, are each between about 3.4 metres and about 3.6 metres.

9. The vehicle of claims I to 8, wherein at least one of the trailers is configured to carry a container.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the container is a tank for containing dry bulk matter.

11. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the container is a tank for containing liquid.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the tank comprises interior baffles and/or bulkheads for reducing the movement of the liquid through the tank.

13. The vehicle of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the tank comprises separate compartments, each compartment in fluid communication with a valve system on the trailer configured to allow filling or drainage of each compartment.

14. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the container is an intermodal container for containing unitised loads.

15. The vehicle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the vehicle is more than 31 metres and less than 35.5 metres.

16. The vehicle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the vehicle is more than 31.3 metres and less than 32 or 33 metres.

17. The vehicle of any one of claims I to 15, wherein the length of the vehicle is between about 32 metres and about 33 metres.

18. The vehicle of any one of claims I to 16, wherein the length of the vehicle is more than 31.355 metres and less than 31.5 metres.

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