New Regulations Make Transportation of Goods Safer

Nova Scotia has adopted new regulations that standardize rules for securing loads on trucks, ensuring safe transport of goods and cargo across North America.

The new regulations bring clarity for trucking companies around what they are expected to do when carrying heavy loads and certain types of loads, such as, logs, dressed lumber, metal coils, paper rolls, concrete pipe, containers, vehicles and boulders. These regulations will ensure that there are no falling objects from the vehicle, putting public safety at risk.

"Safe roads for all is a priority for this government," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "The new regulations are exhaustive, clear and will help ensure the safety of all Nova Scotia road users."

The national standards on securing loads were adopted in the new regulations, effective Dec. 14. They were developed in consultation and partnership among all North American jurisdictions after years of research and consultations with trucking companies, vehicle and equipment suppliers, and users of trucking services in both Canada and the United States. These national standards provide uniformity for trucking operations across North America.

The national standards apply to all vehicles with a registered gross vehicle weight greater than 4,500 kilograms.