UNITED STATES tank trailer manufacturers can expect to hear their Canadian competitors clamoring for certain manufacturing restrictions for their competitors to the south if a Canadian rule proposal goes into effect.
Barrie Montague of the Ontario Trucking Association discussed the proposal and the current review of Canada's Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations at the National Tank Truck Carriers Annual Conference and Tank Truck Equipment Show May 9-11 in Chicago, Illinois.
Cargo tank manufacturing requirements in the United States will continue to be considered equivalent to Canadian standards, but a proposal by Transport Canada would mandate more stringent requirements for Canadian manufacturers beginning in 2008. United States-made vehicles would continue to satisfy Canada's requirements.
If the proposal becomes a rule, howls could be expected from Canadian manufacturers that will have incurred increased costs for compliance while their US competitors will not, Montague said.
Should the complaints reach sympathetic ears in the Canadian government, US manufacturers that export trailers to Canada could face similar compliance costs.
Another issue is that at the present time trailers that are built to Canadian specification standards can not be loaded in the United States, either for domestic transportation or for northbound international shipments, Montague said.
He asked NTTC to assist Canadian carriers to have the US regulations amended to allow their use in the United States.
On another subject regarding the review of the Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, Montague said new rules will probably include security issues. A recent revision to the regulations when adopted will require hazmat hose testing, and will apply to US carriers delivering in Canada.
Turning to local activities, Montague said that the Province of Ontario continues aggressive enforcement when inspectors find brakes out of adjustment. A serious out-of-service condition can end with a 14-day vehicle impoundment, he warned.
“The message is clear here,” Montague added. “Make sure your drivers understand it.”