Abstract
Canadian resources, such as forest products, are generally transported to mills by trucks using road sections that are under the jurisdiction of provincial governments. Trucks, therefore, must comply with weight & dimension regulations governed by these administrations. While there are interprovincial conventions, each province has its own regulations, restrictions, and trucking programs. There is a need for transportation competitiveness to ensure the sustainability of industries in each province. To do so, there are several ways to promote transport efficiency, such as implementing a new truck configuration; implementing or increasing winter weight premiums; reducing the length or severity of spring road restrictions, etc. This paper describes the technical process used in Canada to improve transportation efficiency while preserving road user safety and the integrity of affected infrastructure. This process involves the five following phases:
1. Defining the need for transportation efficiency. Evaluating the need from the industry, selecting the champion and stakeholders, analyzing preliminary economic impact for all parties involved.
2. Feasibility study and strategy. Study provincial administration regulations, incorporating government priorities, etc.
3. Scientific methodology and technical approach. Infrastructure data acquisition, study impact of proposed change on infrastructure, safety, economy, environment.
4. Presentation of study results to responsible transportation officials.
5. Implementation. Process of changing transport policy.
A practical case that illustrates this process is highlighted in this paper, namely the introduction of a 9-axle tandem-drive truck in Ontario.
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