Ontario LCV Pilot Program Questions and Answers

Q1: What is a long combination vehicle (LCV)?

In Canada, any combination of vehicles over 25 metres overall length is considered to be an LCV. Ontario LCVs are made up of a tractor pulling two full-length semi-trailers up to 40 metres overall length.

Q2: Why is Ontario allowing LCVs on our highways?

LCVs are a win-win-win. They are good for the economy, good for the environment and improve highway safety. They can move goods at a lower cost and with fewer greenhouse gas emissions than single-trailer trucks and, under carefully controlled conditions, more safely.

Once in fuller use on Ontario's highways, LCVs could save shippers - and consumers - up to $320 million a year:

• Fuel consumption could be reduced by 70 million litres a year
• Greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by 200,000 tonnes a year.

In addition, allowing LCVs will enable shippers to move goods more efficiently between Ontario and Quebec, since Quebec has allowed these trucks on their roads for more than 20 years.

Q3: What is Ontario proposing with respect to long combination vehicles?

Ontario is allowing up to 100 LCVs on designated highways during the pilot.

LCVs will be restricted to predetermined highways and approved access points close to highway ramps. They will also be restricted from operating in or through the GTA during rush hours, and across the province at the start and end of long weekends. As well, LCVs will not operate during the winter months of December, January and February.

Drivers must have extensive experience driving tractor-trailers, a proven safety record, and will take special training and road testing to ensure safe operation.

Q4: Would Ontario simply allow unrestricted operations of LCVs?

No. LCVs operate under carefully controlled conditions in every province that allows them, even after decades with excellent safety records. The Ontario government is not considering allowing unrestricted LCV operations.

The program will introduce LCVs very gradually on Ontario highways. Ministry of Transportation officials will closely monitor the operation of the vehicles and address any issues that arise.

Q5: Will LCVs replace all the regular trucks in Ontario?

No. The majority of tractor-trailer trips will remain as they are. A very limited number of LCVs will be allowed in the first year, with a gradual increase anticipated in future years to ensure public safety and smooth integration into Ontario trucking operations.

Q6: What is the timing of the LCV Pilot Program?

The pilot will run for one year after the targeted June or July start-up. This includes the 3 month winter shut-down during December, January and February.

Q7: Will any carrier be eligible to operate LCVs in Ontario?

No. Participants in the pilot will be restricted to members of the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) or Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC). They must have significant trucking experience and a safe operating history as demonstrated by their Carrier Safety Rating. There will be a maximum of 50 carriers in the pilot with each carrier eligible for two LCV permits.

Q8: Where will LCVs be allowed to operate?

LCVs may only operate on predetermined highway routes and to and from terminals close to highway ramps that have been approved by MTO. All off-highway routes require an engineering and safety assessment as well as municipal consent.

Q9: Where can I find the operating rules and program details for LCVs in Ontario?

Operating rules and program details are contained in a document titled, Ontario LCV Program Conditions. It outlines the program principles, the driver and carrier qualifications, route criteria, special equipment and operating restrictions.

This document along with other information on the LCV program can be found on the Ministry of Transportation website under the Trucks and Buses tab.

Q10: What is the maximum allowable weight for an LCV?

The allowable gross weight of any LCV combination must not exceed 63,500 kg. This is the same maximum weight as for other tractor-trailers, so LCVs will be no heavier than tractor-trailers currently operating on our highways.

Maximum tire, axle and gross weights for the different types of trailer combinations are specified in the permit conditions. The braking ability of LCVs has been carefully reviewed to ensure optimal safety.

Q11: Do LCVs require any special equipment?

Yes, LCVs require a set of equipment upgrades to make them among the safest tractor-trailers on Ontario highways.

Special equipment required for LCVs in Ontario includes;

• Engine horsepower and steering radius minimums.
• On-board speed recording devices
• Anti-sail mud flaps for splash/spray control
• Hitch requirement minimums
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) requirements
• Additional Lighting requirements
• Rear signage
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) requirements

Q12: Will the LCVs be allowed to operate like other tractor trailers?

LCVs will have specific and detailed operating restrictions that must be followed. The LCV permit outlines where and when participants may operate these vehicles.

• may only operate on approved routes;
• must not exceed 90 km/h;
• must not detour off approved routes for any reason, including road closures;
• must not travel in the GTA during morning and afternoon rush hours;
• must not operate during the winter months of December, January and February;
• must not operate during inclement weather, poor visibility or poor road conditions;
• must not operate on any routes on the evening preceding and the last evening of the long weekend;
• must not carry livestock or dangerous goods requiring a placard;

Q13: Aren't LCVs more dangerous than regular single-trailer trucks?

No - in fact they are safer. LCVs have been on the road in Western Canada, Quebec, and more than 20 American states for a number of decades. They have an excellent safety record, with fewer collisions reported than single-trailer trucks. LCVs also reduce the total number of trucks on the road, since each LCV carries as much freight as two single-trailer trucks.

Q14: If LCVs are carrying twice as much cargo, won't they be slower to stop, and therefore more dangerous?

LCVs are suited to light, bulky freight as their maximum allowable weight is no greater than other tractor-trailers currently in operation. As LCVs are no heavier than current tractor-trailers, generally have more axles and tires to grip the road and are equipped with enhanced braking systems - their stopping ability is generally superior to other tractor-trailers.

Q15: Are there environmental benefits to LCVs?

Yes. Greenhouse gas emissions are directly linked to the amount of fuel that is consumed. Each LCV uses about one-third less fuel than two tractor-trailers that would carry the same amount of freight. That means a third fewer greenhouse gas emissions for each LCV on the road.

If all the current truck trips that met LCV criteria were made using LCVs, greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by 200,000 tonnes a year.

Ontario's Action Plan on Climate Change calls on the 'Freight and Diesel' sector to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by six mega-tonnes by 2020. LCVs will provide a meaningful contribution toward these reductions.

Q16: If LCVs are carrying twice as much freight, won't they do more damage to roads and bridges?

No. The maximum weight for LCVs will be the same as for other tractor-trailers currently operating on our highways. LCVs actually have slightly less weight per axle and less impact on roads and bridges than the two single tractor-trailers they replace.

Q17: How can I obtain further information about the LCV Pilot Program?

Any questions or comments about this program should be forwarded to: lcv.monitoring@ontario.ca.