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Canada's three westernmost provinces have inked a landmark deal to harmonize truck weights and dimensions regulations.The changes will be implemented in two phases. The first set of changes kicked in on July 1 with the balance, which will require more consultation with industry groups like AMTA, will be implemented in 2012.
AMTA Executive Director Don Wilson shares details about the recent announcement and what it means to Alberta fleets:
Q: How will the deal benefit Alberta?
The move is aimed at boosting trade efficiencies and the economies of all three provinces. "Harmonization should promote the moving of people and goods more efficiently and will contribute to continued economic growth and prosperity for all three provinces," says AMTA's Don Wilson. "By eliminating different standards, rules and regulations in each of the respective provinces it will create efficiencies for shippers, truckers and ultimately their customers. A lower cost for the transportation of goods is a win-win for all of us," he says.
Q: What does the deal contain?
Some of the highlights include a 500-kg increase in steering axle weights (to 6,000 kgs) to accommodate fuel-saving technologies such as APUs and the harmonization of length and dimension limits for tri-drive trucks, tractors and trailer configurations, allowing fleets to standardize vehicles in western Canada. The provinces also agreed to increase length limits for A-, B- and C-train combinations by one metre to an overall length of 26.0 m, so fleets can use full-length tractors in these configurations.
All three of the provinces also harmonized pilot car rules and the provinces announced they will coordinate enforcement activities so a truck isn't subjected to three inspection blitzes as it travels through the western provinces. The provinces will also focus on coordinated enforcement and training.
