Editing Road train (section)

== Usage ==
=== Australia ===
[[File:Australian road train headed by Volvo NH15.jpg|thumb|right|A four-trailer road train in the Australian outback with a [[Volvo Trucks|Volvo]] NH15 prime mover]]
The term ''road train'' is used in Australia and typically means a prime mover hauling two or more trailers, other than a B-double.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nti.com.au/better-business-hub/blog/do-your-staff-know-an-a-from-b |title=Do your staff know an A from B? |publisher=National Transport Insurance |access-date=30 September 2024}}</ref> In contrast with a more common semi-trailer towing one [[trailer (vehicle)#Full trailer|trailer]] or [[semi-trailer]], the [[diesel engine|diesel]] [[tractor unit|prime mover]] of a road train hauls two or more trailers or semi-trailers. Australia has the longest and heaviest road-legal road trains in the world, weighing up to {{convert|200|t|LT ST|0}}.<ref name=definitions/>
[[File:Australian T909 Kenworth .png|thumb|B-double road train]]
'''Double''' (two-trailer) road train combinations are allowed on some roads in most states of Australia, including specified approaches to the ports and industrial areas of [[Adelaide]], [[South Australia]]<ref name="RAVnet"/> and [[Perth]], [[Western Australia]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/UsingRoads/HeavyVehicles/Pages/HeavyVehiclesHome.aspx |title=Heavy Vehicles |publisher=[[Main Roads Western Australia]] |access-date=21 October 2016 |archive-date=12 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312223123/https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/UsingRoads/HeavyVehicles/Pages/HeavyVehiclesHome.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> An A-double road train should not be confused with a [[wiktionary:B-double|B-double]], which is allowed access to most of the country and in all major cities.<ref name="Hema Maps 2007">Hema Maps (Firm) & Martin, Ray. & Martin, Will. (2007), Australia truckies atlas [cartographic material] : the complete atlas for the professional driver / Hema Maps; [cartography, Ray Martin and Will Martin] – {{ISBN|978-1-86500-426-6}} {{ISBN|1-865004-26-X}} – has state by state routes and route restrictions I</ref>

In South Australia, B-triples up to {{convert|35.0|m|ftin}} and two-trailer road trains to {{convert|36.5|m|ftin}} were only permitted to travel on a small number of approved routes in the north and west of the state, including access to Adelaide's north-western suburban industrial and export areas such as [[Port Adelaide]], [[Gillman, South Australia|Gillman]] and [[Outer Harbor, South Australia|Outer Harbour]] via [[Salisbury Highway]], [[Port Wakefield Road]] and [[Augusta Highway]] before 2017.<ref name="RAVnet">{{cite map |url=http://maps.sa.gov.au/ravnet/index.html |title=RAVnet |publisher=[[Government of South Australia]] |access-date=21 October 2016}}</ref> A project named ''Improving Road Transport for the Agriculture Industry'' added {{convert|7200|km}} of key routes permitted to operate vehicles over {{cvt|30|m|ftin}} in 2015–2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/311132/Improving_Road_Transport_for_Primary_Production_Status_Update_-_web.pdf |title=IMPROVING ROAD TRANSPORT FOR PRIMARY PRODUCTION PROJECT Status update |date=February 2018 |publisher=[[Primary Industries and Regions SA]] |access-date=24 August 2019}}</ref>
[[File:Another Bloody Road Train - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Triple road train near [[Normanton, Queensland|Normanton]], Queensland]]
'''Triple''' (three-trailer) road trains operate in western [[New South Wales]], western [[Queensland]], South Australia, Western Australia and the [[Northern Territory]], with the last three states also allowing AB-quads (B double with two additional trailers coupled behind). [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] is the only capital city in the world where triples and quads are allowed to within {{convert|1|km|mi|sigfig=2|abbr=on}} of the [[central business district]] (CBD).<ref name="Hema Maps 2007"/>

Strict regulations regarding licensing, registration, weights, and experience apply to all operators of road trains throughout Australia.

Road trains are used for transporting all manner of materials: common examples are [[livestock]], [[fuel]], mineral [[ore]]s, and general freight. Their cost-effective transport has played a significant part in the economic development of remote areas; some communities are totally reliant on regular service.
[[File:00 4591 Road train - Great Northern Highway (Western Australia).jpg|thumb|Triple road train in [[Great Northern Highway]]]]
When road trains get close to populated areas, the multiple [[#Dog-trailer_(dog_trailer)|dog-trailers]] are unhooked, the [[dolly (trailer)|dollies]] removed and then connected individually to multiple trucks at "assembly" yards.

When the flat-top trailers of a road train need to be transported empty, it is common practice to stack them. This is commonly referred to as "doubled-up" or "doubling-up". Sometimes, if many trailers are required to be moved at one time, they will be triple-stacked, or "tripled-up".

Higher Mass Limits (HML) Schemes are now in all jurisdictions in Australia, allowing trucks to carry additional weight beyond general mass limits. Some roads in some states regularly allowing up to 4 trailers at {{convert|53.5|m|ftin}} long and {{convert|136|t|LT ST}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhvr.gov.au/files/201707-0577-common-heavy-freight-vehicles-combinations.pdf |title=Common Heavy Freight Vehicle Configurations – NHVR |publisher=[[National Heavy Vehicle Regulator]]|access-date=24 August 2018}}</ref> On private property like mines, highway restrictions on trailer length, weight and count may not apply. Some of the heaviest road trains carrying ore are [[multiple unit]] with a diesel engine in each trailer, controlled by the tractor.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Carter |first1=Russell A. |title=Taking the Train {{!}} E & MJ |url=https://www.e-mj.com/features/taking-the-train/ |website=www.e-mj.com |date=June 2012 |quote=heavy-duty, high-capacity haulage trailer equipped with a diesel engine, cooling system, transmission and drive axle system, all controlled from the Powertrans prime mover}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Shanks |first1=Howard |title=1000 HP Kenworth C510 – Powertrailer combination Review |url=https://www.roadtrains.com.au/articles/kenworth-c510-review/ |website=Australian Roadtrains |language=en-AU |date=14 September 2017 |quote=body on the power-trans chassis .. engines rated at 450 and 500 horsepower. They are coupled to an Allison automatic transmission and tri-drive SISU hub reduction axles.}}</ref>

Diesel sales in Australia (per year) are around 32 billion litres,<ref>{{cite web |title=Australian Petroleum Statistics 2023 |url=https://www.energy.gov.au/publications/australian-petroleum-statistics-2023 |publisher=[[Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water]] |date=December 2023 |quote=slide page 7}}</ref> of which some is used by road trains. In order to reduce emissions and running cost, trials are made with road trains powered by [[Electric vehicle battery|batteries]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Graham |first1=James |title=World-first electric triple road train launches in SA |url=https://bigrigs.com.au/2023/04/19/world-first-electric-triple-road-train-launches-in-sa/ |website=Big Rigs |date=19 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Brisbane Truck Show uncovers huge clean transport shift, from utes to road trains – VASA |url=https://vasa.org.au/brisbane-truck-show-uncovers-huge-clean-transport-shift-from-utes-to-road-trains/ |date=24 July 2023 |quote=around 25 per cent of the 40MWh consumed so far by a Janus-converted forestry truck – while covering 18,500km with loads of up to 68.5 tonnes of timber on a 24-hour duty cycle – had been harvested from regenerative braking}}</ref><!--hydrogen road train not found-->

=== United States ===
{{see also|Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula}}
[[File:Permitted_Longer_Combination_Vehicles_on_the_National_Highway_System_2017_22Oct2018.png|thumb|Permitted routes for longer combination vehicles on the U.S. National Highway System: 2017]]
In the United States, trucks on public roads are limited to two trailers (two {{convert|28|ft|m|abbr=on|disp=or}} and a dolly to connect; the limit is {{convert|63|ft|m|abbr=on|disp=or}} end to end). Some states allow three {{convert|28|ft|m|abbr=on|disp=or}} trailers, although triples are usually restricted to less populous states such as Idaho, Oregon, and Montana, plus the [[Ohio Turnpike]]<ref>[http://statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/truckbook.pdf "Truck Driver's Guide Book"]</ref> and [[Indiana East–West Toll Road]]. Triples are used for long-distance [[Less than truckload|less-than-truckload]] freight hauling (in which case the trailers are shorter than a typical single-unit trailer) or resource hauling in the interior west (such as [[ore]] or [[Construction aggregate|aggregate]]). Triples are sometimes marked with "LONG LOAD" banners both front and rear. "Turnpike doubles"—tractors towing two full-length trailers—are allowed on the [[New York Thruway]] and [[Mass Pike|Massachusetts Turnpike]] ([[Interstate 90]]), [[Florida's Turnpike]], [[Kansas Turnpike]] (Kansas City – Wichita route) as well as the [[Ohio]] and [[Indiana]] toll roads.<ref>{{cite web | title=Fact #411 States that Allow Longer Combination Vehicles | date=13 February 2006 | publisher=U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Vehicle Technologies Office | url=http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/facts/2006_fcvt_fotw411.html}}</ref> Colorado allows what are known as "Rocky Mountain Doubles" which is one full length {{convert|53|ft|m|abbr=on|disp=or}} trailer and an additional {{convert|28|ft|m|abbr=on|disp=or}} trailer. The term "road train" is not commonly used in the United States; "turnpike train" has been used, generally in a pejorative sense.<ref>"[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1665&dat=19601027&id=CvQZAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RCMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5552,3153037 Gangway! Here comes a turnpike train!]", ''The Times-News'' (Hendersonville, N.C.), 30 November 1960, p. 7.</ref>

[[File:UPS Freight truck, Motor Cargo & Overnite trailers.jpg|thumbnail|right|[[STAA doubles|STAA double]] pup 28.5 foot trailers ]]
In the western United States LCVs are allowed on many [[Interstate Highway System|Interstate]] highways. The only LCVs allowed nationwide are [[STAA doubles]].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/reports/tswstudy/Vol3-Chapter3.pdf |title=Comprehensive Truck Size and Weight (CTS&W) Study |volume=3 |chapter=Chapter 3: Scenario Descriptions |publisher=Department of Transportation – Federal Highway Administration |location=US |access-date=28 September 2018}}</ref>

On private property like farms, highway restrictions on trailer length and count do not apply. Bales of [[straw]], for example, are sometimes moved in wagon trains of up to 20 trailers an eighth of a mile long (carrying a total of 3,600 bales).<ref name="farmshow">{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Made it Myself Ideas|volume=4|publisher=Farm Show|location=Lakeville, Minnesota|year=2019|page=51|first=Chuck|last=Timm}}</ref>

=== Europe ===
[[File:A B-double unloading timber at Pellets Asturias, Tineo, on 7 Nov 2019.jpg|thumb|right| Timber being unloaded from a B-double at Pellets Asturias, Spain]]

In [[Finland]], [[Sweden]], [[Germany]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Denmark]], [[Belgium]], and some roads in [[Norway]], trucks with trailers are allowed to be {{convert|25.25|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} long.<ref>{{Cite press release|title=Effektive og miljørigtige lastbiler på de danske veje|date=24 November 2008|publisher=Transport og Energiministeriet|url=http://www.trm.dk/sw43883.asp?path=%7BD917AC55-C794-45B6-9F72-31A9927A7F59%7D |language=da|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214233953/http://www.trm.dk/sw43883.asp?path=%7BD917AC55-C794-45B6-9F72-31A9927A7F59%7D|archive-date=14 December 2008}}</ref> In Finland, a length of {{convert|34.5|m|ft}} has been allowed since January 2019. In Sweden, this length has been allowed on several major roads, including all of [[European route E4|E4]], since August 2023.<ref>[https://www.tempcongroup.se/en/nyhet/longer-trucks-next-year/ Longer trucks next year]</ref> 34.5 meters allows two [[Intermodal container|40 foot containers]].

Elsewhere in the [[European Union]], the limit is {{convert|18.75|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} (Norway {{convert|19.5|m|ft|abbr=on|disp=or}}). The trucks are of a cab-over-engine design, with a flat front and a high floor, about {{convert|1.2|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} above ground. The Scandinavian countries are less densely populated than the other EU countries, and distances, especially in Finland and Sweden, are long. Until the late 1960s, vehicle length was unlimited, giving rise to long vehicles to cost effectively handle goods. As traffic increased, truck lengths became more of a concern and they were limited, albeit at a more generous level than in the rest of Europe.

In the [[United Kingdom]] in 2009, a two-year desk study of [[Longer Heavier Vehicle]]s (LHVs), including up to 11-axle, {{convert|34|m|ft|1|adj=on}} long, {{convert|82|t|LT ST|adj=on|lk=on}} combinations, ruled out all road-train-type vehicles for the foreseeable future.

[[File:40 foot container turnpike double 2.jpg|thumb|40 foot container turnpike double]]
In 2010, Sweden was performing tests on log-hauling trucks, weighing up to {{convert|90|t|LT ST|abbr=on}} and measuring {{convert|30|m|ft|1}} and haulers for two 40&nbsp;ft containers, measuring {{convert|32|m|ft|0}} in total.<ref>[http://magazine.volvotrucks.com/global/Articles/International/2008/10/The-next-environmental-improvement--long-truck-rigs/The-next-environmental-improvement--long-truck-rigs/ The next environmental improvement – Long truck rigs] ''Volvo Trucks Magazine'' 3 October 2008</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.vk.se/Article.jsp?article=384045|title=Miljövänlig jättebil med timmer|date=8 October 2010|work=Västerbottens-Kuriren|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724014202/http://www.vk.se/Article.jsp?article=384045|archive-date=24 July 2011|agency=TT|language=sv}}</ref> In 2015, a pilot began in Finland to test a 104-tonne timber lorry which was {{convert|33|m|ft}} and had 13 axles. Testing of the special lorry was limited to a predefined route in northern Finland<ref>[https://forest.fi/article/largest-lorry-in-western-europe-to-start-operating-in-finnish-lapland/ Largest lorry in western Europe to start operating in Finnish Lapland]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crs6kJSmjC8 104 ton experiment in northern Finland]</ref>

Since 2015, [[Spain]] has permitted B-doubles with a length of up to {{convert|25.25|m|ft}} and weighing up to 60 tonnes to travel on certain routes.<ref>{{Cite web| title=Orden PRE/2788/2015, de 18 de diciembre, por la que se modifica el anexo IX del Reglamento General de Vehículos, aprobado por Real Decreto 2822/1998, de 23 de diciembre | language=es | trans-title=Order PRE/2788/2015, of December 18, amending Annex IX of the General Vehicle Regulations, approved by Royal Decree 2822/1998, of December 23 | url=http://www.cadenadesuministro.es/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Modificacion-del-Anexo-IX-del-Reglamento-General-de-Vehi%CC%81culos-copia.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215203253/http://www.cadenadesuministro.es/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Modificacion-del-Anexo-IX-del-Reglamento-General-de-Vehi%CC%81culos-copia.pdf | archive-date=2019-02-15}}</ref> In July 2024, after 5 years of testing, HCTs have been permitted on Spanish territory, with lengths of up to 32 meters (105&nbsp;ft) and 70 gross tonnes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=interior |first=DGT, Ministerio |title=Dúo-Tráiler grande entre los grandes |url=https://www.dgt.es/comunicacion/noticias/20240628-duo-trailer-grande-entre-los-grandes/ |access-date=6 November 2024 |website=www.dgt.es |language=es}}</ref>

Since 2016, Eoin Gavin Transport, Shannon and Dennison Trailers, Kildare have been trialling {{convert|25.25|m|ft}} B-doubles on the Irish motorways.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eoingavintransport.com/sustainable-transport/|title=Sustainable Transport|date=8 April 2021 |publisher=eoingavintransport.com|access-date=6 August 2024}}</ref> In Feb 2024, The Pallet Network announced four B-doubles to operate between Dublin, Cork and Galway.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tpn.ie/2024/02/tpn-launches-new-19-5m-trailer/|title=TPN Ireland launches new 19.5m trailer|publisher=tpn.ie|date=24 February 2024|access-date=6 August 2024}}</ref>

In 2020, a small number of road trains were operating between Belgium and the Netherlands.

=== Mexico ===
In Mexico road trains exist in a limited capacity due to the sizes of roads in its larger cities, and they are only allowed to pull 2 trailers joined with a pup or dolly created for this purpose. Recently{{When|date=May 2019}} the regulations tend to be more severe and strict to avoid overloading and accidents, to adhere to the federal rules of transportation. Truck drivers must obtain a certificate to certify that the driver is capable to manipulate and drive that type of vehicle.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=11 November 2014 |title=NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-012-SCT-2-2014, Sobre el peso y dimensiones máximas con los que pueden circular los vehículos de autotransporte que transitan en las vías generales de comunicación de jurisdicción federal. |url=https://www.dof.gob.mx/normasOficiales/5512/sct11_C/sct11_C.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230516064135/https://www.dof.gob.mx/normasOficiales/5512/sct11_C/sct11_C.html |archive-date=16 May 2023 |access-date=16 May 2023 |website=[[Official Journal of the Federation (Mexico)]] |language=es}}</ref>

All the tractor vehicles that make road train type transport in the country (along with the normal security requirements) need to have visual warnings like;<ref name=":0" />

* "Warning Double Semi-Trailer" ({{Langx|es|Precaución Doble Semirremolque}}) alert located in the frontal fenders of the tractor and in the rear part of each trailer,
* yellow turn and warning lights to be more visible to other drivers,
* a seal for the entire vehicle approving the use as double semi trailer,
* federal license plates in every trailer, dolly, and tractor unit.

Some major cargo enterprises in the country use this form to cut costs of carrying all type of goods in some regions where other forms of transportation are too expensive compared to it due to the difficult geography of the country.<ref>Notice of regulation https://www.elmananerodiario.com/los-doble-remolque-no-se-prohiben-tendran-regulacion-mas-estricta/</ref>

The Mexican road train equivalent form in Australian Standard is the A-Double form, the difference is that the Mexican road trains can be hauled with a long distance tractor truck.

===Zimbabwe===

In Zimbabwe, they are only used in one highway, Ngezi – Makwiro road. They make use of 42 m long road trains pulling three trailers.

=== India ===
On 15th February 2025 Volvo Trucks India and [[Delhivery]] a [[Gurgaon]] based logistics company unveiled India's first road train consisting of a [[Volvo FM]] 420 4x2 tractor and a B-Double combination of 24 ft lead trailer and 44 ft semi-trailer coupled via fifth wheel making total length of vehicle close to 80 ft. With approvals from [[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways|Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH)]] and [[Automotive Research Association of India|Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)]]. Currently, road trains are only permitted to operate on [[Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway|Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-15 |title=Volvo truck pioneers high efficiency logisitics |url=https://www.manufacturingtodayindia.com/volvo-unveils-first-road-train |access-date=2025-03-11 |language=en-US}}</ref>