New regulations on weights and dimensions and inspections

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MONTREAL, Que. — Canadian governments have come to agreement on policies regarding truck weights and measures and vehicle inspections.

Federal, provincial and territorial ministers of transport approved three recommendations put forward by the National Task Force on Vehicle Weights and Dimensions Policy and known officially as the Memorandum of Understanding on Interprovincial Weights and Dimensions (MOU).

According to the MOU, “provinces and territories will permit vehicles which comply with the weights and dimensions described in the MOU to travel on a designated system of highways in their governments.”

The three changes are:

  • The addition of the tridem drive tractor/semitrailer configuration as a new MOU category
  • An increase in the allowable size of aerodynamic devices on rear of trucks and trailers from 0.9 metres to 1.52 metres
  • An increase in the overall length limit for B-train double trailer combinations from 25 metres to 27.5 metres.

There were three factors cited for increasing the length of B-trains. By giving them some added length, it should be easier to fit engine emissions equipment and alternative fuel systems. Fleets will be able to use the added length to accommodate moose bumpers to reduce the severity of impact when trucks collide with wildlife. The additional length can also be used to fit in larger sleeper berths and improve overall driver comfort in the cabin, thereby reducing driver fatigue.

Updates to inspection criteria came about when the ministers endorsed changes to the National Safety Code (NSC), which sets out minimum performance standards, applying to all persons responsible for the safe operation of commercial vehicles. The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administers promises to make the Revised National Safety Code Standard 11 on Commercial Vehicle Inspections by posting it on its website.

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