Course Description

Commercial vehicles in Ontario are subject to legislated axle weight limits. While excesses can result in heavy costs for fleet operators, implementing compliance strategies can increase profits considerably. In this one-day seminar, participants will learn how to reference and apply legislation for commercial vehicle weights. The material is designed specifically for fleet compliance personnel, but is important as well for any drivers, mechanics, shippers or warehousers responsible for the commodities being shipped.

Topics to be covered include why weight laws exist, the consequences of improper loading, and how to determine maximum allowable gross weights for specific vehicles and vehicle combinations. Participants will be coached through box marking, measuring axle weights and other compliance methodologies. Wherever possible, course material will deal with the commodities and vehicle combinations used by the participants.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

• Understand the purpose of axle and gross vehicle weight legislation;
• Know the basic structure and terminology of the legislation and be able to reference appropriate sections;
• Determine maximum allowable gross vehicle weights;
• Calculate optimal weights and configurations for specific vehicle loads and configurations;
• Apply compliance strategies to practical vehicle loading scenarios.

Format

Classroom: workshop style instruction with interactive discussion and practical exercises.

Resources

Supplied: Participants manual, and Weights and Dimensions Handbook (MTO).

Recommended: Highway Traffic Act (Ontario); a calculator with metric conversion.

Evaluation

Open-book written test, participation and full attendance for successful completion

Certification

Certificate of Completion

Prerequisites

Basic skills in mathematics. For safety and compliance supervisors, prior completion of the Fleet Driver Trainer Course is strongly suggested.

Duration: 1 day