A ripple of recognition rolled through the crowd when commercial vehicle enforcement officer Arthur Anderson showed photos of farm equipment transport violations.
They depicted overloaded manure trucks, frayed bungee cords, broken shocks and corroded brake pots.
It’s possible nobody at the Manure Management Update conference in Lethbridge had ever violated provincial road regulations, but it was likely that many had at least witnessed some.
“Nothing surprises me,” Anderson said in an interview after his presentation when asked about egregious incidents of dangerous transport.
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However, he said he now sees fewer examples of improperly maintained equipment on Alberta roadways.
“Mainly brakes out of adjustment or sometimes lighting — signal lights not working at the back or brake lights not lighting up when brakes are applied. Minor little things that should be caught during a trip inspection.”
Drivers are responsible to ensure nothing leaks, spills, blows off or shifts to make the load unstable.
Anderson said the definition of cargo is broad, referring not only to the payload but also to shovels, tools and anything else being carried.
And by the way, bungee straps are not legal for securing loads. Farmers and truckers should use tarp straps and other materials designed for the purpose.
Self-propelled farm equipment with flotation tires cannot legally travel paved highways in Alberta if they are carrying a load, Anderson reminded the group.
He also elaborated on the regulations for slow moving vehicles and legal weights.
Unlike commercial highway haulers, farmers are exempt from the need for air brake endorsement for driving farm vehicles with air brakes.
They also do not need written trip inspection reports, a log book or annual mechanical inspections. Anderson said many farmers are nevertheless opting to get vehicle inspections because the accompanying sticker results in fewer delays at inspection stations and checkpoints.
Common sense will protect farmers from most problems with regulatory compliance, said Anderson.
barb.glen@producer.com
