The Canadian Trucking Alliance’s work with the federal and provincial governments over the past several years has paid off with the approval of new safety and environmentally friendly technologies on heavy truck and trailer configurations in Canada.
The Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety National last week approved amendments to standards for the weight and dimension limits of heavy vehicles under the Memorandum of Understanding on Interprovincial Weights and Dimensions (MOU). The changes harmonize nationwide the adoption of aerodynamic, emission-reducing “boat tail” devices on heavy trucks; tri-drive configurations which increase traction and payload for trucks in heavy-haul sectors; and B-train tractors with longer wheelbases to accommodate technologies which are required to meet heavy truck air quality and GHG emissions mandates while also improving driver wellness and fatigue management.
Under terms of the MOU, provinces and territories permit vehicles which comply with the harmonized weights and dimensions standards to travel on designated highways in each jurisdiction.
“CTA applauds the efforts of the Task Force on Vehicle Weights and Dimensions, the Council of Deputy Ministers and Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety for moving these issues forward and looks forward to their adoption in regulation across all Canadian jurisdictions at the earliest opportunity,” says CTA’s Geoff Wood.
Specifically, the amendments to the MOU include:
- The addition of the Tridem DriveTractor – Semitrailer Configuration as a new MOU category.
- Increasing the allowable dimension limits of aerodynamic devices on rear of trucks and trailers from 0.9 m to 1.52 m, which harmonizes regulations within Canada as well as with those in the U.S. and supports the trucking industry in improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
- Adopting the Canadian Trucking Alliance’s proposal to increase in the overall length limit for B-train double trailer combinations from 25 m to 27.5 m, which is necessary to fit engine emissions reduction equipment and alternative fuel systems (eg. LNG), accommodate safety impact devices such as “moose bumpers,” as well as reduce driver fatigue and improve driver comfort by allowing larger sleeper berths.
The one outstanding element with regards to B-trains is to implement into regulation the full tractor wheel-base allocation as proposed by CTA. The Alliance is hopeful that all jurisdictions will continue to work with CTA and its provincial association partners to make this happen.
For detailed briefing notes on CTA’s positions and to learn more on the benefits of boat-tails, tri-drive configurations and extended B-trains, click here.
For additional info on the Memorandum of Understanding and the Task Force on Vehicle Weights and Dimensions Policy click here.