TORONTO, (July 4, 2005) — The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has completed three-quarters of its phased-in vehicle weight and dimension reforms.

The recently completed third phase — which affects all non-dump semi-trailers with four or more axles and all double trailers — is intended to reduce damage to provincial and municipal roads and bridges. Phases 1 and 2 were implemented in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Those rules cover semi-trailers with three or less axles, dump semi-trailers, including end-dumps and open hopper dumps.

The new regulation is intended to cause a migration of tractor trailers to what the MTO has dubbed Safe, Productive, Infrastructure-Friendly (SPIF) alternatives. The regulation includes 13 SPIF tractor-trailer combinations, which provide a range of productive alternatives without the associated excessive damage to roads and bridges.

A number of SPIF semi-trailers make use of self-steering axles in place of rigid lift-axles. The self-steering axles remain on the road at all times when the vehicle is loaded so that all axles take their proper share of the weight and contribute to the stability and braking ability of the vehicle. To further protect highway pavement, all axles on SPIF semi-trailers automatically load-equalize so that the weight of the trailer and load is equally spread over all trailer axles.

As SPIF semi-trailers are equipped with self-steering axles and load-equalization, MTO has determined that there is no longer a need to apply special restrictive weights to aggregate vehicles that meet the SPIF standards. The method of calculating the allowable gross weight of SPIF tractor-trailers is therefore the same regardless of product being carried.

SPIF vehicles include a number of productivity improvements. All SPIF semi-trailers have a standardized maximum length of 16.2m (53′). All SPIF combinations may be equipped with additional lift-axles for deployment in other jurisdictions. Tandem and tridem axle weight increases have been extended to double trailers to further improve harmonization of rules with Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. Tri-drive tractors have been introduced for situations where greater traction is needed. Axles equipped with wide single tires are allowed up to 8,000 kg which is 2,000 kg higher than previously allowed under Regulation 32/94.

The new weight reductions for non-SPIF vehicles, outlined by the MTO, are as follows:

1. Dump semi-trailers built before 2003 — grandfathered at current weights for reasonable life — built after 2002 – immediate reduction of 4,500 kg or 9,000 kg if not SPIF.

2. Non-dump semi-trailers with three or fewer axles — 3,000 kg reduction effective January 1, 2006 if not SPIF (except for specialized tankers) — reduction increases to 4,500 kg in 2011 or 2021.

3. Non-dump semi-trailers with 4 or more axles — built before 2006 — grandfathered at current weights for reasonable life, built after 2005 — immediate reduction of 4,500 kg or 9,000 kg if not SPIF.

4) Double trailer combinations — both trailers built before 2006 grandfathered at current weights for reasonable life — either trailer built after 2005 — immediate reduction of 4,500 kg or 9,000 kg if not SPIF.

Phase four will address straight trucks and their trailers. In addition, SPIF 4-axle tractor alternatives will be further explored. Policy development will commence in 2006. Research, testing and stakeholder consultations are expected to take at least two years. No changes are therefore expected until some time in 2008 or 2009.

Over 70 Ontario Trucking Association member carriers, those mainly transporting heavy products requiring the use of multi-axle trailers, were involved in developing the response to the initial proposal of MTO. MTO was receptive to the industry concerns and the final regulation addresses those concerns, says OTA.

To assist carriers to understand the new regulation and how it will affect their operations OTA will be hosting at least two seminars in August in cooperation with MTO to explain the details of the new regulation and associated issues (August 9th and August 31st).

OTA members with questions may call 416/249-7401 and speak with either Barrie Montague (ext. 234) or Geoff Wood (ext. 248).