Thanks to coordinated efforts on the parts of Canada’s four western provinces, long combination vehicles are now authorized for use across the prairies, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Uniformity of rules between the provinces will allow for more efficient and greener transportation for carriers throughout Western Canada. Previously, LCV drivers were forced to make stops in order to reconfigure their trucks to comply with local restrictions. Eliminating those stops, and combining trailers will reduce transportation costs, travel time, and fuel expense.

Additionally, rules governing truck operation during holiday periods have been eased. Drivers can now keep their big rigs moving on the evenings before, and on the day of statutory holidays. Truck routing will also be simplified now that LCV’s can be driven over the road without being restricted to double divided highways, as was previously the case. One exception to this will be Rogers Pass, in British Columbia, where drivers will still need to decouple double trailers for transport via separate trucks.

The coordination and easement of local rules for LCV operation means significant improvements for the industry as well as the environment. Because the changes allow for more direct truck routing, fewer stops, and fewer trucks to haul trailers across the provinces, shipping costs will be markedly reduced. Also, since dual trailers can now be more widely used, fleet operators will benefit from lower fuel costs. With fewer trucks needed to haul those trailers, the environment benefits as well.

Statistically, industry officials point out, LCV’s are the safest form of over the road transport, accounting for fewer safety incidents than all other methods, and typically attract the best-trained and most experienced drivers. To further ensure their safe operation on public roads, LCV drivers will be restricted to a maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour.