News release

Nova Scotia launches Long Combination Vehicle Pilot Project

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

Nova Scotia transporters will be more competitive with a pilot project that will allow double 53-foot semi-trailers to be hauled by a single tractor trailer on selected stretches of highway.

Long combination vehicles (LCVs) will help increase business to the Port of Halifax, trans-loading facilities where shipments are transferred to and from trucks, and other transportation partners. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will assess the vehicles on selected four-lane highways.

"LCVs will help expand business and competitiveness in Nova Scotia," Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Murray Scott said today, July 30. "They will help increase Nova Scotia's competitiveness with other East Coast ports, and boost the transportation industry in this province."

Other benefits of long combination vehicles include reduced truck traffic, by using one engine to haul two trailers, and environmental advantages such a using less fuel and cutting greenhouse-gas emissions.

"We are pleased the province of Nova Scotia will be launching this pilot project," said George Malec, vice-president Business Development and Operations, Halifax Port Authority. "Many customers of the port, and especially those involved in transload, want to use LCVs to transport their goods to inland markets.

"This pilot provides options for our customers to grow their business through the Port of Halifax."

Under the pilot program, the vehicles will be permitted to operate under strict conditions, including only on four-lane divided highways from Halifax to the New Brunswick border, lower maximum speeds of 90 km/hour, and using trained drivers with a minimum of five years and 150,000 kilometres of tractor trailer driving experience.

Long combination vehicles will be restricted during unfavorable weather, such as freezing rain, sleet, fog and heavy snow.

Qualified truck operators can participate in the pilot project, by submitting an application to drive long combination vehicles.

The vehicles could begin operating in Nova Scotia by Oct. 1. They are currently allowed to operate year-round in British Colombia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and seasonally in Quebec. New Brunswick has announced they will be allowed on all of its four-lane highways this summer.