Page 126 - Driving Commercial Vehicles Manual+

chapter 5 — skills for driving trucks and trailers

Length
fast fact
Always be aware of your vehicle’s length and the length of your load. You
The overall length for reefer need to be particularly cautious while negotiating turns on narrow roads and
vans or reefer trailers may in alleys.
be extended to include the Remember to leave enough clearance so you can avoid striking objects such
refrigeration or heating unit.
as poles, parked cars and buildings. Anywhere that has limited clearance is a
potential hazard.

Weight
fast fact
Commercial vehicles are licensed according to their gross vehicle weight
(GVW). You must know the weight of your vehicle and its load to ensure your
Watch for a sign that posts
the maximum allowable vehicle doesn’t exceed load limits.
weight whenever you Several terms are used to define a vehicle’s weight. These include:
approach a bridge.
• GVW (gross vehicle weight) is the combined weight of the vehicle and its
load.
• GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is a manufacturer’s rating which defines
the weight of a vehicle and the maximum load it should carry.
• Licensed GVW is the combined weight of the vehicle and the maximum
load it’s licensed to carry or tow. The minimum licensed GVW of most
commercial vehicles is 1.5 times the net weight of the vehicle.
The Commercial Transport Regulations contain more detailed information
about the dimension requirements for different vehicle combinations. Pick up
a brochure about these regulations at any provincial weigh scales and at
www.th.gov.bc.ca/cvse.

Oversize and overload permits
fast fact
If your load can’t be reduced and it’s larger or heavier than regulations allow,
You must have a permit you may be able to purchase an oversize permit.
before you take an oversize You can purchase permits for overwidth, overweight, overlength, or
vehicle on the road.
overheight loads. If you plan to travel on the highway, you can apply by
calling the Commercial Vehicle Permit Line.
These permits are issued according to Commercial Transport Regulations.
When you apply for a permit you must provide:

• registration and insurance papers for both the tow vehicle and the trailer(s)
• specifics on the load you’ll be carrying
• details about your planned route and destination
• a time when you plan to move your oversized load.
If you’re applying for an overload permit, you’ll also have to identify the
amount of weight that will be on each axle of your vehicle.

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