Mack 53.5m Superliner Hauls 115,000L Diesel with 780hp

Mack's new 53.5m Superliner sets a fuel-hauling milestone

Pacific Fuel has added a colossal three-trailer Mack Superliner to its fleet, creating one of the most impressive road trains operating in Australia today. Measuring 53.5 meters, the new blue-painted rig—custom-built by CMV—replaces the company’s former 30m unit and dramatically increases on-route fuel capacity.

What makes this road train special?

At the heart of the rig sits a 17-liter inline-six engine producing 780 hp and a hefty 3,800 Nm of torque. That power is managed by Mack's latest mDRIVE automatic transmission, engineered to deliver precise shifts and minimize power loss on steep climbs and rough outback tracks. Braking and downhill control come courtesy of Mack's PowerLeash engine brake, combined with a hill-start assist system to ensure driver control when every kilogram counts.

This Superliner is paired with custom-made tankers by Tieman, enabling a staggering payload: roughly 115,000 liters of diesel per trip. For a company that previously relied on 19m prime movers with about 43,000 liters capacity, the operational gains are obvious—fewer trips, lower per-liter transport costs and improved logistical control.

Route, rhythm and operational impact

The truck will run a regular schedule between Townsville and Mount Isa, performing five return services every two weeks to supply Pacific Fuel's Cloncurry depot and customers across the region. By bringing this capability in-house and assigning a dedicated driver, Pacific Fuel reduces reliance on subcontractors and tightens oversight of critical fuel deliveries across remote corridors.

Highlights:

• Length: 53.5 meters (triple trailer road train)
• Engine: 17L inline-six, 780 hp, 3,800 Nm torque
• Transmission: Mack mDRIVE automatic
• Braking: Mack PowerLeash + hill-start assist
• Payload: ~115,000 liters of diesel (custom tankers)

Driver comfort for long outback hauls

In the vast Australian interior, the cab doubles as a second home. The Superliner’s long-nose sleeper cab has been fitted with comfort and convenience features designed for multi-day runs: an auxiliary diesel-powered air conditioner, TV, microwave and refrigerator, plus a spacious sleeping area. For tired drivers who spend nights roadside, these amenities improve rest quality and safety.

Market context and efficiency gains

Road trains are a hallmark of Australian heavy haul operations, and this Mack is a textbook example of optimizing fleet economics through scale. Transporting 115,000 liters per service versus the old 43,000-liter arrangement reduces trip frequency and labor costs, while modern drivetrain and braking tech lowers strain on components and improves reliability in harsh climates.

Quote: 'By integrating an in-house, high-capacity Superliner we can better control deliveries and reduce operating costs across long haul routes,' Pacific Fuel management noted.

For fleet managers and heavy-duty enthusiasts, the Mack Superliner underlines how power, payload and driver comfort combine to meet the toughest logistical challenges. As regulations and road permit systems evolve, operators who balance size with efficiency will continue to lead in remote fuel distribution.

Whether you follow trucking tech or commercial fleet strategy, this Superliner is a noteworthy case of engineering and operational planning scaled to the Australian outback.