What is the MIMS?

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

The permit scheme offers operators transporting containerised freight with network access and increased mass limits on the steer and drive axle of the prime movers and tri-axle groups on trailers. The increased axle mass limits provided for the eligible MIMS vehicles assist with transporting freight containers from nominated ports in Queensland to deconsolidation locations.

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

1. Port of Brisbane and 
2. Port of Townsville

Eligible MIMS vehicles

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).

Under the scheme, an eligible vehicle must comply with the dimension requirements applicable to its vehicle type, such as width, height, and length, as summarised in Table 2.

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

The trailer must be fitted with certified road-friendly suspension equipped with effective hydraulic dampers.

MIMS mass limits

The maximum mass limits of the MIMS permit-based scheme are outlined below. 

MIMS dimension requirements

The maximum dimensions of the MIMS permit-based scheme are outlined below.

Conditions of operation

Vehicle manufacturers and component ratings must not be exceeded.

A single container may be carried on each trailer.

Operators and eligible vehicles must be accredited under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) Mass Management module. 

More information can be found on NHVAS Accreditation module – Mass Management and Container weight declarations.

MIMS Network

Access is provided on the relevant Queensland Higher Mass Limits (HML) Network within: 

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

Additional 500m approved access 

Under the scheme, an eligible vehicle may also be approved access to operate up to an additional 500m radius from the 'Queensland National Road Network' on approved HML networks (prime mover semitrailer) and HML B-double or road train networks, as outlined in Table 3.

The Queensland National Road Network can be found on the NHVR website under National Network Maps.

Access beyond the permitted HML Network 

An operator will need to submit an NHVR permit application for any roads required that are not on the relevant 'Queensland National Road Network' through NHVR Go. The permit application must outline the entire route, which can be one of the following:

• From the desired port destination to the finishing location, or 
• from the permitted network to the finishing location.

How to apply

To begin your permit application, navigate to . If you are not already registered, follow the prompts to set up an account.

Once registered, from the home screen, click on the ‘Application tracker’ tab and select the ‘NEW APPLICATION’ button and enter a reference for your application. So we can correctly identify your application, your reference/application nickname should be 'QLD MIMS'.

Note: Where you have an existing permit for an eligible configuration, select the ‘AMEND' application button, which will require the permit number to be entered. Follow the prompts to add the additional routes required.

Step 1 - Click the green ‘SELECT CONFIGURATION’ button and select the 'QLD Permit Schemes' menu drop-down. Select one of the relevant configuration from the list:

• QLD - Mass Import Management Scheme (MIMS) - Prime mover and semi-trailer; or
• QLD - Mass Import Management Scheme (MIMS) - B-double

Step 2 - Once the correct configuration is selected, click on the ‘OVERALL' tab and go to ‘Configuration, mass and dimensions.' The vehicle type will require the following vehicle details:

• unladen and laden dimensions
• unladen and laden mass limits
• VIN and registration details

In the component images, you must tick the box ☐ " I confirm selection of the correct component" prior to proceeding to the ‘Travel details’ section of the application.

These details are required for the road manager to assess your application.

Step 3 - In the ‘Travel details’ section, enter the requested period (the period cannot exceed three years). Input the freight being carried under the 'Description of load', for example, import containers. 

Step 4 - Navigate to the ‘Route’ section of the application. Select the ‘Route type' as 'Single Route' or 'Area'.

• If you do not have an existing permit for the Queensland Mass Import Management Scheme (MIMS) Network, select ‘Network’ and select QLD under ‘In which jurisdiction are you seeking to operate?’.
• If you have an existing permit for the Queensland Mass Import Management Scheme (MIMS), select ‘Network’ application is selected and the ‘Area Road Manager’ must be selected.
  • Please note: for requesting roads off the Mass Import Management Scheme (MIMS) Network, an ‘Area’ must be selected. Applications for “all roads” will not be accepted.
• Plot the route(s) required that link to the approved network.
• Select the ‘CONFIRM’ tab and add any additional information in the ‘Route notes’ section in support of your application. You must tick the box ☐ 'I confirm that the list of roads and associated route notes accurately defines my route requirements for this application' prior to proceeding to the next step of the application. 
  • Note in the 'Route notes' enter your preferred network -  120 km radius of the Port of Brisbane, 15 km radius of the Port of Townsville, or both. 

Step 5 - In the 'Attachments' section of the application, attach any required supporting documents or additional information.

Step 6 - The 'Additional instructions' section allows the nomination of an approved NHVR Go member of your account (if you will not be the relevant contact for the application). Include any additional instructions required for the application.

Step 7 - In the 'Confirmation' stage ensure all details of the application have been reviewed and confirmed. The application can then be submitted with the appropriate payment.

For more information on applying for a permit, refer to the NHVR access permit applications webpage, or contact us.