Federal regulators outlined work on trailer emissions, side guards and tank rules
In October 2021, officials said trailer greenhouse gas standards were on hold, while research continued on multi-trailer stability and side underride protection.
On Oct. 20, 2021, federal officials outlined several regulatory projects affecting trucks and trailers at an update hosted by the Canadian Transportation Equipment Association (CTEA).
Trailer emissions on hold
Julie Deschatelets of Environment and Climate Change Canada said Canada's first greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for trailers were on hold until at least May 3, 2022, because of a court challenge to related U.S. rules. She said new GHG standards for model year 2027 and later vehicles were expected to emerge in 2022, with standards for model year 2030 and beyond to follow by July 2024. Canada had committed to align with the most stringent North American targets for vehicles built in 2025 and later.
Research on stability and side guards
Gordon Poole of the National Research Council said federal researchers were studying ways to make long combination vehicles and other multi-trailer setups more stable, including trailer differential braking, active trailer steering, route analysis and the effects of wind gusts.
The council was also looking at whether side underride guards could be regulated much like rear underride guards. Poole said challenges included access under the trailer, weight, cost, aerodynamic drag and durability in Canadian conditions.
Dangerous goods tanks
John Handrigan of Transport Canada's dangerous goods program said proposed rules would more clearly define who is competent to handle dangerous goods work. He also reviewed updated tank standards, including:
- a 10-year inspection cycle for propane tanks
- the requirement to use at least two wheel chocks when loading and unloading
- required markings for manually activated emergency shut-offs