This summer, the Ministry of Transportation will begin a pilot program to allow a limited number of commercial operators to pull two full-sized trailers - referred to as long combination vehicles (LCVs) - on designated Ontario highways.

Ontario will carefully control LCV operations. The Ministry of Transportation will gradually issue permits for up to 100 LCVs over a one-year period.

Economic Benefits

• LCVs are good for manufacturers and consumers. They allow Ontario retailers and manufacturers to bring voluminous, light-weight goods to market at a lower cost.

 

Environmental Benefits

• By using less fuel to carry goods, LCVs reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with shipping goods by approximately one-third.

Safety

• LCVs have been on the road in Western Canada, Quebec, and more than 20 American states for decades. They have an excellent safety record, with fewer collisions reported than single-trailer trucks.

• Studies show that LCVs had 60 per cent fewer collisions than  conventional tractor-trailers.(source is 2005 Alberta study)

• Each LCV replaces two 23-metre tractor-trailers which means fewer trucks on the road and a reduced risk of collision.  

Requirements and Restrictions

Rules for LCVs include:

• Can only operate on designated divided highways (primarily 400-series highways)

• Can generally travel no more than two kilometres off designated highways, and only on approved routes

• Must have special safety equipment, including enhanced braking requirements and an electronic stability control system

• May not drive in or through the Greater Toronto Area during rush hours

• May not carry more weight than existing single tractor-trailers

• May not operate at the start and end of long weekends

• May not carry dangerous goods that would require a warning on the vehicle's exterior

• May not carry livestock

• May not operate during winter months (December, January, and February)

• Are prohibited from driving in bad weather or slippery conditions

• May not exceed 90km/hr

Special requirements for LCV drivers include:

• Must be experienced tractor-trailer operators with a good safety record

• Must participate in specialized training and road testing