Turning Force – Concrete Products

Lafarge Canada expands delivery efficiencies with Agency Approval of steering axle-equipped trailers

Lafarge Canada Inc. has received provincial approval to operate trailers equipped with hydraulically forced steering axles for concrete delivery in Alberta, marking a significant milestone in transportation innovation and regulatory modernization. The advancement follows a successful multi-year pilot in Calgary and Edmonton and signals an update to Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, intended to benefit all sectors involved in the transportation of materials and goods.

“This approval showcases how innovative technologies can revolutionize logistics and deliver real benefits to our customers by boosting efficiency,” says Lafarge Canada Fleet Manager David Schmidt. “With rear-steer axle trailers, we’re able to transport more materials with better maneuverability, resulting in smarter, safer, and more reliable service.”

Conventional mixer trucks across Canada carry 8.5 cubic meters of concrete. While trailers have been used for some time to shoulder 11-m3 loads, maneuverability concerns have limited their adoption. With the introduction of forced steering axle trailers, Lafarge Canada has effectively removed these barriers and can capture a 30 percent increase in capacity across all fleets. Load optimization on existing chassis enables the producer to reduce the number of trucks on the road, cut diesel exhaust emissions, and enhance both efficiency and safety.

TEAM EFFORT
The achievement in concrete load metrics and mixer truck maneuverability reflects a collective effort between industry and government. David Schmidt and Andrew Barnes of the Alberta Motor Transportation Association guided the regulatory process, engaging Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors and the province’s Transport Engineering group. With formal endorsement from Minister of Transportation and Economic Coordinators Devin Dreeshen and the support of Andrew Pillman’s Alberta Transportation team, the initiative obtained legislative approval.

While the regulations were being shaped, Lafarge Canada worked closely with trusted technical experts to bring the pilot project to life. Precision Concrete Mixers assembled specialized trailers for testing in Calgary and Edmonton fleets. The trailers bear forced steering axle technology for which Quebec-based Simard Suspensions holds exclusive rights, plus a steering control system developed by VSE of The Netherlands.

Over an 18-month trial in real-world conditions, the producer validated the system’s performance with the help of Calgary driver Ron Labine and Edmonton counterpart Volodymyr Dushenko. The success led to municipal approvals in both cities ahead of the province-wide green light.

While approval of the specialized trailers is Alberta-specific, Lafarge Canada’s leadership in evolving truck specifications has sparked interest across the country. Additional provinces are preparing pilot programs in 2025, signaling strong potential for broader adoption. As part of its Transportation Roadmap, the producer will introduce two more rear-steer trailers this year, with further investments planned to support modernized equipment, emissions reduction, and high-performance delivery solutions.

“This project is a prime example of what’s possible when industry and government work together with a shared focus on innovation,” affirms Lafarge Canada Director, Ready-Mix Performance Ian Paine. “It’s a win for logistics, infrastructure, and most importantly, the communities we serve.”