With the aim to carry out effectively advanced loading tests on bridges according to the test method EXTRA, a group of researchers from universities in Bremen (co-ordination), Dresden, Leipzig and Weimar developed in co-operation with the company group Eggers and other companies an innovative loading truck BELFA. The following paper deals with the presentation of essential aspects of the research tasks, the design of the prototype truck as well as with first experiences from the application of BELFA at a pilot project.