Ontario has become the first province to authorize use of aerodynamic TrailerTail attachments after Canada’s transportation department amended the law, according to ATDynamics.
Transport Canada amended its federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act in December to allow “boat tail” devices up to 5 feet long to operate on roadways, and it is up to each province to amend local vehicle codes.
ATDynamics said it expects other provinces will follow Ontario’s lead.
“ATDynamics has worked with Canadian regulators since 2009 and applauds Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation for updating their vehicle regulations and increasing the competitiveness and environmental responsibility of the trucking industry,” ATDynamics CEO Andrew Smith said in a statement.
The folding origami TrailerTrail designs streamline airflow at the back of a trailer, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency by about 5%, according to the manufacturer.
The devices have the potential to reduce fuel consumption of Canadian trucking firms by more than 63 million gallons of diesel fuel per year, as estimated by ATDynamics, resulting in about $3 billion in fuel savings.
There are 30,000 TrailerTails in use on U.S. roads.
By Transport Topics