OTA continues push for Smart Lift Axles

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TORONTO, ON – The Ontario Trucking Association says it has completed a detailed analysis of Smart Lift Axles (SLAs), in a bid to have Ontario revise regulations that govern weights and dimensions.

The SLA’s automatically raise or lower depending on the trailer’s suspension. In the lifted position, they can increase fuel economy and lower Greenhouse Gas emissions as a result.

Technical, operational, economic and environmental factors were included in the new document that discusses the benefits of the spec’s, available technologies, how the spec’s are handled in other jurisdictions, synergies with the province’s existing SPIF regulations, and a roadmap to incorporating the axles into the province’s fleet.

“Members have been vocal about moving this issue forward for several operational and environmental considerations. Now, with an analysis in hand for [the Ontario Ministry of Transportation] to use, we feel we are well positioned to achieve this in a practical, efficient and responsible manner,” said Geoff Wood, vice president – operations and safety with the Ontario Trucking Association.

The province has not established a timeframe for an official amendment.

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John G. Smith is Newcom Media's vice-president - editorial, and the editorial director of its trucking publications -- including Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, and Transport Routier. The award-winning journalist has covered the trucking industry since 1995.


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