About Ontario’s LCV Program

Ontario LCVs consist of specially equipped tractors pulling two full-sized semi-trailers. They may operate on specified 400-series highways and the QEW as well as between Quebec and Ontario. LCVs were introduced into Ontario in 2009 as a public-private partnership between the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA).

The Ontario government requires that the program be carefully controlled to optimize highway safety as well as to ensure an orderly and fair introduction of these vehicles into the trucking marketplace. OTA’s Carrier Committee, which includes representatives from across Canada, played a significant role in development of the LCV program conditions. All aspects of the pro¬gram are fully supported by the committee and are a true representation of the collaborative efforts between industry and government.

To learn more about the Ministry of Transportations LCV program conditions, you can visit their website at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/lcv/program-conditions/index.shtml

OTA’s Role in the LCV Program

For its part, the OTA hired engineering consultants to examine the entire 400-series and QEW freeway network for suitability of LCV operations. This work also identified and assessed all available service centres and private truck stops as potential LCV rest/emergency stop loca¬tions. The primary LCV route network, available to all LCV participants, is based on this work. It should be noted the analysis did not include an assessment of exit and on-ramps involving municipal roadways.

The OTA also took on the responsibility of developing the LCV driver and instructor training pro¬grams required by MTO, as well as a web-based registration and certification system which must be used by all participants.

As these very significant upfront costs were financed through OTA membership fees, LCV par¬ticipants are required to be, or become an OTA member. Alternatively, if a carrier does not wish to become an OTA member, they may choose to negotiate a suitable reimbursement of these costs.

For more information about OTA’s LCV Program, please contact us at: lcvinfo@ontruck.org.