TORONTO — Following discussions about fuel-savings technology with the Ontario Trucking Association, the provincial transport ministry has agreed to allow truckers to acquire permits for aerodynamic devices, commonly known as boat tails, on the rear of 53-ft trailers.

These devices, which are said to save as much as 5 percent in fuel economy, were allowed on 48 ft trailers but not on 53 ft trailers because of the limitation on the overall length of the trailer.

As long as the installation of the devices don’t violate the Highway Traffic Act, boat tails will not be included in the measurement of the length of a vehicle, the length of a combination of vehicles, the maximum length of a semi trailer, the maximum box length, or the maximum rear overhang, the OTA reports.

There are some restrictions on the size and positioning of the device, warns OTA. Any portion of the device more than 1.9m above the ground shall not protrude more than 0.61 m beyond the rear structure of the trailer; any portion of the device less than 1.9m above the ground shall not protrude more than 0.305 m beyond the rear structure of the trailer; and the underride protection and conspicuity requirements must be met.

Permits can be obtained from the Overweight/Oversize permit Section at
the MTO offices in St. Catharines, Ont. for $300 per trailer or $1000 per fleet.