Below are some Frequently Asked Questions regarding transporting overdimensional loads across the QR National. The Overdimensional Loads team can also be contacted on 07 3235 1719, or emailed at road.loads@qr.com.au
1. When do I need to obtain permission from Aurizon Network to travel?
You must have the necessary authority when the load exceeds legislative requirements set down in the Transport Infrastructure (Rail) Regulation 2006. A summary of these requirements can be found at overdimensional loads overview. For more details, refer to the Transport Infrastructure (Rail) Regulation 2006 available on the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel web site. [Go to top]
2. Why do I need a permit?
A permit is an authority to travel, under specific conditions, and is issued to manage adverse affects on Aurizon's rail network. A permit is a legislative requirement, and it is important to ensure the safety of all people involved in the transportation of over dimensional road loads, Aurizon staff and the general public.
A permit also ensures that all Aurizon infrastructure is protected from potential damage and that the police are informed of Aurizon requirements. Police must check the permit before travel. [Go to top]
3. Why do I need a confirmation?
A confirmation is authority to travel without added restrictions from Aurizon. It is a requirement of the Queensland Police that Over-dimensional road loads are checked for dimension and route by Aurizon before travelling.
The police require all over-dimensional road loads to have a confirmation from Aurizon Network even when it does not travel over Aurizon infrastructure.
There is no charge for a confirmation. [Go to top]
4. What is the application fee?
The fee varies, depending on the over dimensional road load and complexity of the application. A list of the relevant fees can be found at Overdimensional loads charges. [Go to top]
5. Is there an additional fee if I change the details on my application?
You may have to pay an additional permit fee to cover the extra work required to process the change requested. An additional permit fee may apply if the following changes are made outside of the relevant time frames specified by Aurizon:
a change of route;
a change of date; or
change of dimensions.
A list of the relevant fees can be found at Overdimensional loads charges. [Go to top]
6. When I have a change of details, do I have to send a whole new application?
No. You simply put a line through the original information that you want to change and write the new information next to or directly above the obsolete information; then re-fax the application. [Go to top]
7. How much notice does QR require?
The applicable Application Form sets out how much notification must be received by Aurizon before the transportation of an over-dimensional road load on Aurizon track infrastructure. Depending on the type of load that is being transported, different requirements need to be met. [Go to top]
8. What happens if I don’t obtain an authority?
You may incur penalty units under the Transport Infrastructure (Rail) Regulation 2006 and be liable for any damages to Aurizon's rail infrastructure.
Please note that a permit or confirmation does not prevent liability including damage to Aurizon property and personal injury to any person.
Police escorts should not allow the move to proceed without a written Aurizon permit or confirmation to cross the rail infrastructure. [Go to top]
9. Why must I list overbridge and open level crossings in the application?
This allows routes to be checked in order to ensure the safety of both Aurizon infrastructure and all concerned parties. [Go to top]
10. Why must I list the time that the over dimensional road load will cross an open level crossing?
Aurizon requires an estimated time so we can:
inform our Train Control to ensure the safe passage of any trains
allocate staff at the correct times (if required)
avoid incidents involving trains and rail mounted vehicles that can use the track at anytime.
How do I apply for permission?
Apply to move an over-dimensional road load through Aurizon Over Dimensional Road Loads Division.
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11. What should I do if I haven't received a permit or confirmation from QR?
If you have not received a permit or confirmation by 10 am four working days prior to the move, it is important to call the overdimensional loads team on 07 3235 1719 as soon as possible. If you do not contact Aurizon your move on the required date may be in jeopardy. [Go to top]