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).

Maximum GCM 45.9 tonnes

Maximum GCM 69.3 tonnes

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 Table 1.

MIMS mass limits 

The scheme operates with mass limits similar to Higher Mass Limits (HML) 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. 

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

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

MIMS Network 

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

Approved permits are provided access on the 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 

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 Table 3.

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 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
• ground contact width (GCW)

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, grain, gravel or sand. 

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. Refer to the Routing - Single route and area difference. 
  • 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.