Regulations governing the operation of longer combination vehicles in Canada

Abstract

d) operating conditions, and e) driver qualifications. While jurisdiction-specific differences remain, the 47 synthesis reveals regulatory uniformity at the regional level. The article identifies how these regulations 48 influence highway design, operations, and management decisions concerning the accommodation of 49 LCV performance characteristics, the spatial and temporal control of LCV operations, the eligibility of 50 drivers and carriers to operate LCVs, and opportunities for regulatory harmonization. As LCV activity 51 increases, the need to formally consider the characteristics of LCVs within these decisions becomes 52 more apparent. 53

Retrospective Longitudinal Study of the Impact of Truck Weight Regulatory Changes on Operating Gross Vehicle Weights

“…Longer combination vehicles (LCVs) are truck configurations consisting of a tractor and two or three trailers or semi-trailers that exceed basic vehicle length limits but remain in compliance with basic weight restrictions (28). This article focuses on turnpike double configurations only, which started operating in Manitoba after 1995 (32).…”

“…In 2012, an agreement between the governments of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba developed standards for the operation of LCVs in those provinces, demonstrating the desire to create a more cohesive interprovincial transportation environment. This MoU allowed for A-, B-, and C-coupled turnpike double (3-S2-4) configurations to operate at a 63,500 kg GVW limit on a specified road network that connected most of the major urban centers in western Canada (28).…”

“…These operations occurred on a specified portion of the divided highway network subject to the GVW limits identified in the RTAC MoU for vehicles with eight or more axles. Since that time, turnpike doubles have represented an increasing proportion of the overall LCV fleet operating on the Trans-Canada Highway west of Winnipeg ( 33) and are the most widely permitted LCV configuration (28). In 2012, an agreement between the governments of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba developed standards for the operation of LCVs in those provinces, demonstrating the desire to create a more cohesive interprovincial transportation environment.…”