Program Summary

The Ministry of Transportation is expanding the LCV program with a controlled increase in the number of permits for a limited number of commercial operators to pull two full-sized trailers - referred to as long combination vehicles (LCVs) - on designated Ontario highways.

Ontario is carefully controlling LCV operations. The Ministry of Transportation will gradually issue permits for up to a maximum of 100 carriers and 400 permits.

All carriers within the program will be eligible for 2 permits each for their first year of operations. Current program participants that have successfully completed at least a year of LCV operations are eligible for up to 4 permits. Carriers that have not preformed well during their first year of LCV operations will not be eligible for additional permits until their performance improves.

Economic Benefits

• LCVs are good for manufacturers and consumers. They allow Ontario retailers and manufacturers to bring light-weight, bulky 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 numerous American states for decades. They have an excellent safety record, with fewer collisions reported than single-trailer trucks.
• A major study of LCV operations in Alberta showed that LCVs of the type allowed in Ontario had 60 per cent fewer collisions than the conventional tractor-trailers they replace.
• As each LCV replaces two conventional tractor-trailers, the number of collisions is expected to be reduced by 80 per cent as compared to moving the freight by conventional tractor-trailer.

Requirements and Restrictions

Rules for LCVs include that they:

• Can only operate on designated divided highways (primarily 400-series highways).
• Can only access destination terminals within two kilometres of highway interchanges, and only if routes have been carefully assessed and approved.
• 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 multi-axle 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).
• Must avoid driving in bad weather or slippery conditions.
• May not exceed 90km/hr.

Special requirements for LCV drivers include that they:

• Must be experienced tractor-trailer operators with a good safety record.
• Must obtain and carry an LCV Driver’s Certificate based on specialized and comprehensive training and road testing.
  
  

Contacts

• Bob Nichols
  Communications Branch
  416-327-1158
  Bob.Nichols@ontario.ca
• David Salter
  Minister's Office
  416-327-1815
  David.J.Salter@ontario.ca