Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy
The role of freight transport has never been more critical to the people of NSW than it is right now. We all rely on freight to support our thriving communities and drive a strong economy.
We know that freight is responsible for a significant amount of transport emissions. The transport sector is the second highest emitter of greenhouse gases in the NSW economy, with the bulk of freight emissions from the road freight sector.
To ensure the future sustainability of the freight transport sector and to help achieve the NSW Government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, we have identified ways to work with industry to reduce the sector’s carbon emissions.
The Policy
Transport for NSW has developed the Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy, which sets out the strategic direction and actions to support emissions reductions across the road and rail freight transport sector.
Download the Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy
The Policy focuses on road (4.5 tonnes and above of gross vehicle mass) and rail freight, and sets out a roadmap to support the road and rail freight transport industry to transition to low and zero emission vehicles and technologies. It is framed around short (0-2 years), medium (3-5 years) and long (5+ years) term actions.
This Policy recognises the need to balance safe, sustainable and productive outcomes, the freight sector’s challenging operating environment and the need for a staged approach to transition the road and rail freight sector to net zero.
Policy development
This Policy was developed after broad consultation with the NSW freight industry, academia, vehicle manufacturers, service providers, and with local, state and federal government departments and organisations.
NSW zero emission heavy vehicle access trial
To support the industry to transition to zero emission vehicles, TfNSW is enabling access to the NSW state road network (noting exceptions such as load limited bridges) for the additional masses required for zero emission heavy vehicles.
This will be introduced as a two year trial and provide access for zero emission vehicles with up to 8 tonne on a single steer axle and up to 18.5 tonnes on the drive axle, where the overall gross vehicle mass (GVM) does not exceed 26 tonnes.
The trial will enable broad access to support transition and provide the evidence-base to inform ongoing access and management of the network.
At this stage, access is not available to assets owned or maintained by third party or local road managers. We will be working with our third party asset owners and partners to progressively increase access. We will keep you informed with updates to access for these vehicles.
Heavy Vehicle Comparison Tool
There are two section of the comparison tool:
Knowledge hub
- The knowledge hub is a guide to current and available technologies to support the transition to decarbonising road freight transport.
- Information includes the various NSW and Commonwealth Government grants available to road freight operators, the current emissions landscape and technologies available, and more.
Vehicle comparison tool
- This interactive app will provide comparative information on diesel and low and zero emission vehicles and a database of available low and zero emission technologies
Access the Heavy Vehicle Comparison Tool
We are updating the Heavy Vehicle Comparison Tool regularly. If you would like to submit feedback, please contact us at freight@transport.nsw.gov.au.
Related policies
Contact us
If you have any questions about the Policy, please contact freight@transport.nsw.gov.au.