EDMONTON – Lafarge Canada has announced it has received provincial approval to operate trailers equipped with hydraulically forced steering axles for concrete delivery in Alberta.
The development follows a successful multi-year pilot in Calgary and Edmonton and marks an update to Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act.
“This approval showcases how innovative technologies can revolutionize logistics and deliver real benefits to our customers by boosting efficiency,” said David Schmidt, fleet manager with Lafarge Canada, in a statement. “With rear-steer axle trailers, we’re able to transport more materials with better maneuverability, resulting in smarter, safer, and more reliable service.”
According to a release, conventional mixer trucks carry 8.5 cubic metres of concrete. While trailers have been used for some time to carry 11 cubic metres, maneuverability concerns have limited their adoption. With the introduction of these new trailers, Lafarge has effectively removed these barriers and can capture a 30 per cent increase in capacity across all fleets.
Precision Mixers assembled the specialized trailers, Simard Suspensions holds exclusive rights to the forced steering axle technology, and VSE delivered the steering control system. Over an 18-month trial, Lafarge validated the system’s performance with the help of Calgary-based driver Ron Labine and Edmonton-based driver Volodymyr Dushenko, the release continues. The success led to municipal approvals in Calgary and Edmonton before the province-wide greenlight.
“Though the approval is Alberta-specific, Lafarge’s leadership in this space has sparked interest across Canada,” states Lafarge. “Additional provinces are preparing pilot programs in 2025, signaling strong potential for broader adoption.”
As part of its Transportation Roadmap, Lafarge will introduce two more rear-steer trailers this year.
“This project is a prime example of what’s possible when industry and government work together with a shared focus on innovation,” said Ian Paine, director, ready-mix performance, Lafarge Canada.
“It’s a win for logistics, infrastructure, and most importantly, the communities we serve.”
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