The rear under-ride guards for trailers recently called for in Canada will impact US trucking companies that have trailers domiciled in Canada. The Canadian rule is heavier and more robust than the protection required on US trailers. However, the Canadian rule does not apply to US-based trailers; and US officials have taken no steps to adopt the Canadian regulation for US trailers.
The recent announcement by Canada to add trailer under-ride will apply to newly manufactured trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds)or more. Trailers with a low chassis or those with wheels or structure that prevent or limit under-ride will not be affected.
David Bradley, Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) chief executive officer, has voiced concerns that the decision by Canada to add trailer under-ride guards "will be diluted unless it is adopted concurrently by Canada and the United States.”