TORONTO, ON- Federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt says she supports aerodynamic boat tail devices on heavy trucks and will raise the issue with provincial transport ministry officials, the Ontario Trucking Association reports.

Transport Canada recently amended the federal rear under-ride manufacturing standard, allowing for more “boat tail” designs to be used by trucking companies once the provincial regulations are updated.

The regulatory change paves the way for the introduction of full length boat-tails – environmentally-friendly, rear trailer aerodynamic devices that reduce drag and GHG emissions – into Canada.

Before Transport Canada changed the regulations, provinces had a hard time defining boat tails in their own regulations and like with a domino effect, trucking companies couldn’t use the technology.

But now, it is up to the provincial governments, who have jurisdiction over truck weights and dimensions standards. Raitt says boat tails will be on the docket at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety this fall.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance has been urging the provinces to respond as quickly as possible so the industry may begin taking advantage of this technology nation-wide.