What is the MIMS?

Mass Import Management Scheme, otherwise known as MIMS, is a permit based scheme in Queensland. 

The permit scheme provides network access for an eligible vehicle transporting containerised freight from two Queensland ports:

1. Port of Brisbane and 
2. Port of Townsville

A single container may be carried on each trailer.

The scheme provides operators transporting containerised freight with increased mass limits on the steer and drive axle of the prime movers. The increased axle mass limits provided for the eligible MIMS vehicles assist with transporting the containers to facilities where the load can be redistributed to achieve regulation masses. 

Eligible MIMS vehicles

Under the scheme, an eligible vehicle must comply with prescribed dimensions. These are the exact dimensions that apply to other class 2 vehicles, including prescribed width, height, rear overhang, and trailer dimensions limits described below.

The prime mover drive axle and trailer axle groups must be fitted with 4 tyres per axle. 

The trailer must be fitted with an airbag or certified road-friendly suspension with effective hydraulic dampers.
There are two eligible combination types 

1. A single steer and tandem drive axle prime mover and a tri-axle semitrailer (Figure 1) and 
2. A single steer and tandem drive axle B-double combination with tri-tri trailing groups (Figure 2) 
    

The combination and load must comply with prescribed dimensions. These are the same dimension that apply to other class 2 vehicles, including prescribed width, height, rear overhang, and trailer dimensions limits described in the below table.

MIMS mass limits 

The scheme operates with mass limits similar to Higher Mass Limits for the trailing units and increased mass for the prime mover axles (steer and drive).
 

MIMS requirements 

Vehicle 

Vehicle manufacturers and component ratings must not be exceeded. 

Operational 

Operators must have obtained accreditation under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) Mass Management module. For more information about NHVAS, visit the Accreditation modules page.

Drivers/operators are required to obtain and carry a complying container weight declaration when transporting freight containers.

MIMS Network 

Permits are required before a vehicle can operate under the scheme. 

Approved permits are provided access on the QLD Higher Mass Limits (HML) Network within 

• 120 km radius of the Port of Brisbane and 
• 15 km radius of the Port of Townsville

Additional 500m approved access 

An eligible vehicle operating under the scheme may also operate up to a radial distance of 500 metres from the Queensland National Road Network on approved B-double or road train networks as referenced in the below table.

The Queensland National Road Network is located on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website. 

There are two maps for Queensland: National Land Transport Network Road Corridors – Queensland and Urban National Land Transport Network Road – Brisbane.   

Access beyond the permitted HML Network 

An operator may submit an NHVR permit application for additional access. 
The permit application must show the entire route, which may be either:

• permitted network (where an operator holds a MIMS permit) to the finishing location, or 
• from the desired port destination (where an operator doesn’t hold a MIMS permit) to the finishing location

How do I apply for a MIMS permit?

To apply for new a permit:

1. Applications are made via the NHVR Portal. 
   • If not already registered, follow the prompts to set up an account.
2. Once registered, from the home screen, click on the ‘Application tracker’ tile in the centre of the top row or on the Menu bar.
3. Click on the ‘New Application’ button (on the right).
4. A window will pop up; please enter your reference (this should be a reference relevant to you).
5. Click on the green ‘Select Configuration’ button and then click on the heading Permit Schemes.
6. Select the QLD - Mass Import Management Scheme (MIMS) – B-Double or Prime Mover and Semi-trailer permit scheme by clicking on the image or scheme title.
7. Complete all the fields in the ‘Vehicle’ step of the permit application and then select the ‘Next’ button located at the bottom of the page to move onto the Route step of the permit application.
   • The B-double application will request additional information compared to the standard B-double application. You will be required to enter registration details and the length of the configuration.
8. Select the Route tab option button and then select the checkbox below, indicating you wish to operate on a network.
9. Click on the ‘QLD’ tab option and in the summary sub-tab enter your preferred network 
   • 120 km radius of the Port of Brisbane 
   • 15 km radius of the Port of Townsville 
   • or both 
10. Navigate through the rest of the application completing all mandatory information and attaching any supporting documentation.
11. Follow the prompts to confirm your contact details and complete payment for your application.