New regulations for tank trailer rear impact guards become effective in Canada September 1, 2007, and will impact trailers manufactured in the United States for the Canadian market.
Peter Weis of Polar Corp discussed the issue at the National Tank Truck Carriers 2006 Cargo Tank Maintenance Seminar October 16-18 in Nashville TN. Test crashes conducted by Canadian officials determined that the impacts guards need to be stronger than those used in the US, he said.
US tank trailers can continue to transport products in Canada, but trailers without the Canadian-authorized rear impact guards cannot be sold there, he said.
For dual certification, trailers would have to undergo both US and Canadian testing.