G&D Tank and Trailer is a National Safety Mark certified shop. G&D can install steer axles on your existing lift axle trailers to meet new SPIF requirements and maximize load capacity. Below are just some of the SPIF conversions completed at G&D. For more information, See Frequently Asked Questions below.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question:
What is SPIF :Safe, Productive, Infrastructure-Friendly Vehicles ?

Answer:
The new regulation is intended to cause a migration of tractor trailers to Safe,
Productive, Infrastructure-Friendly (SPIF) alternatives. The regulation includes 13
SPIF tractor-trailer combinations. These vehicles provide a range of productive alternatives without the associated excessive damage to roads and bridges.

Highway safety will improve as SPIF vehicles provide superior stability and control and can operate within acceptable amounts of space when turning or making emergency manoeuvres. In addition, the heavy 5 and 6-axle SPIF semi-trailers are equipped with an enhanced braking system to minimize the risk of brake failure and warn the driver of potential problems.

A number of SPIF semi-trailers make use of self-steering axles in place of rigid lift-axles. The self-steering axles remain on the road at all times when the vehicle is loaded so that all axles take their proper share of the weight and contribute to the stability and braking ability of the vehicle. To further protect highway pavement, all axles on SPIF semi-trailers automatically load-equalize so that the weight of the trailer and load is equally spread over all trailer axles.

Question:
What are the four phases of Vehicle Weight & Dimension Reforms?

Answer:
Phase 1 was introduced in 2001 and subsequently modified to address all non-dump semi-trailers with 3 or less axles. Except for some very specialized tankers, all of these semi-trailers must meet SPIF standards by January 1, 2006 or incur a 3,000 kg reduction from their allowable gross weight. This reduction will increase to 4,500 kg in 2011 or 2021 depending on semi-trailer body style.

Phase 2 was introduced in mid-2002 and addressed dump semi-trailers, including end-
Dumps and open hopper dumps. Any of these trailers built after 2002 must meet SPIF
standards, or operate at reduced weights. All such trailers built prior to 2003 are grandfathered and may continue to operate for their reasonable operating life. Also as part of Phase 2, it was determined that the special, more restrictive method of
calculating allowable gross weights for aggregate vehicles was no longer necessary for
tractor-trailer combinations that meet SPIF standards.

Phase 3 addresses all non-dump semi-trailers with 4 or more axles and all double
trailers. Any of these trailers built after 2005 must meet SPIF standards, or operate at significantly reduced weights. All such trailers built prior to 2006 are grandfathered and
may continue to operate for their reasonable operating life.

Phase 4 will address straight trucks and their trailers. In addition, SPIF 4-axle tractor
alternatives will be further explored. Policy development will commence in 2006.
Research, testing and stakeholder consultations are expected to take at least two years.
No changes are therefore expected until some time in 2008 or 2009.

Question:
Where can I get a copy of the new Regulation 413/05?

Answer:
The regulation is available at www.e-laws.gov.on.ca. Under the listing for the Highway
Traffic Act look for the regulation titled, “Vehicle Weights and Dimensions – for Safe,
Productive, Infrastructure-Friendly Vehicles”. If you do not have direct internet access,
you should enquire at a pubic library – most libraries provide internet access and
assistance in its use.