Impact of Size and Weight Regulations on Trucks Crossing the Canadian-U.S. Border

The conventional view is that U.S. federal limits govern trucks operating across the Canadian-U.S. border. The identification of 118 roads crossing the border and a description of the regulations in neighboring provinces and states governing traffic on them are provided. Surveys at 25 crossings that carry 87 percent of cross-border truck traffic have identified truck configurations in different regions. The standard fiveaxle tractor-semitrailer, at a gross vehicle weight of up to 36 287 kg (80,000 lb), is the principal truck used between the two countries, but mainly for low-density freight or long hauls. Almost 22 percent of trucks crossing the border are configured to carry payloads heavier than possible with this truck. Most have at least six axles, and many make use of liftable axles. Local cross-border trucking operations are making significant use of trucks larger and/or heavier than those allowed under U.S. federal regulations and under provincial and state regulations, grandfather rights, or permits.