The Nova Scotia government is looking at different ways to improve truck efficiency in the province. Regulations are being amended in order to allow truckers to carry larger loads, while long combination vehicles are starting to circulate on the province's roads.
Government started off by creating a new class of intermediate weight roads: six-axle tractor trailers can now haul freight weighing up to 47,500 kilograms. Previously, the provincial roads weight limit was set at 41,500 kilograms.
These changes had been requested by the trucking industry, explained Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister, Brooke Taylor.
"An increase of 6,000 kilograms on these tractor trailers will actually reduce pavement damage because fewer trips will be required to move a fixed amount of product," explained M. Taylor.
"In fact, because the weight of the trailer is being spread over more axles, it means there will be less wear and tear on the roads," he added.
A list of the newly designated roads is available on the department's website at: (www.gov.ns.ca/tran/trucking/vehiclewghtsdims.asp).
Long combination vehicles
Another pilot-project is creating interest in the province for its efficiency qualities. The government is allowing two trucking companies to run long combination vehicles (LCVs) in Nova Scotia.
The project should help trucking companies save money and make the industry more energy efficient.
Armour Transportation Systems and Sunbury Transport Ltd. have been authorized to hook up double 53-foot semi-trailers to a single tractor-trailer. They can use the province's twinned 100-series highways between Burnside and the New Brunswick border.
Safety concerns
The pilot project will allow the Department of Transportation to analyze the effects LCVs will have on the highways. However, safety issues will also be studied, assured minister Taylor.
"Other jurisdictions allow LCVs on a limited basis and we don't want to inhibit the ability of Nova Scotia to compete," he explained. "At the same time, safety is our top priority and running a pilot project will help us assess first hand how these vehicles perform on Nova Scotia highways."
Benefits
Supporters for long combination vehicles say they will allow Nova Scotia to remain competitive and could also help increase business at the Port of Halifax.
Since LCVs will be using one engine to haul two trailers, they will help reduce truck traffic, and, by extension, fuel and greenhouse-gas emissions.
Restrictions
In Nova Scotia, long combination vehicles will be restricted to four-lane highways, must keep their speed below 90 km/h, and stay in the right hand lane at all times.
In order to receive a permit, drivers must pass a long combination vehicle training course, accumulate at least five years and 150,000 kilometers of tractor-trailer driving experience.
Trucking companies can apply for a permit on the Department of Transportation and infrastructure Renewal's website, (www.gov.ns.ca/tran/trucking/vehiclewghtsdims.asp).
photo:Jupiter Images
Government started off by creating a new class of intermediate weight roads: six-axle tractor trailers can now haul freight weighing up to 47,500 kilograms. Previously, the provincial roads weight limit was set at 41,500 kilograms.
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These changes had been requested by the trucking industry, explained Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister, Brooke Taylor.
"An increase of 6,000 kilograms on these tractor trailers will actually reduce pavement damage because fewer trips will be required to move a fixed amount of product," explained M. Taylor.
"In fact, because the weight of the trailer is being spread over more axles, it means there will be less wear and tear on the roads," he added.
A list of the newly designated roads is available on the department's website at: (www.gov.ns.ca/tran/trucking/vehiclewghtsdims.asp).
Long combination vehicles
Another pilot-project is creating interest in the province for its efficiency qualities. The government is allowing two trucking companies to run long combination vehicles (LCVs) in Nova Scotia.
The project should help trucking companies save money and make the industry more energy efficient.
Armour Transportation Systems and Sunbury Transport Ltd. have been authorized to hook up double 53-foot semi-trailers to a single tractor-trailer. They can use the province's twinned 100-series highways between Burnside and the New Brunswick border.
Safety concerns
The pilot project will allow the Department of Transportation to analyze the effects LCVs will have on the highways. However, safety issues will also be studied, assured minister Taylor.
"Other jurisdictions allow LCVs on a limited basis and we don't want to inhibit the ability of Nova Scotia to compete," he explained. "At the same time, safety is our top priority and running a pilot project will help us assess first hand how these vehicles perform on Nova Scotia highways."
Benefits
Supporters for long combination vehicles say they will allow Nova Scotia to remain competitive and could also help increase business at the Port of Halifax.
Since LCVs will be using one engine to haul two trailers, they will help reduce truck traffic, and, by extension, fuel and greenhouse-gas emissions.
Restrictions
In Nova Scotia, long combination vehicles will be restricted to four-lane highways, must keep their speed below 90 km/h, and stay in the right hand lane at all times.
In order to receive a permit, drivers must pass a long combination vehicle training course, accumulate at least five years and 150,000 kilometers of tractor-trailer driving experience.
Trucking companies can apply for a permit on the Department of Transportation and infrastructure Renewal's website, (www.gov.ns.ca/tran/trucking/vehiclewghtsdims.asp).
photo:Jupiter Images