Are many violating regulations for the transportation of dangerous goods?

Are many violating regulations for the transportation of dangerous goods?

The transportation of dangerous goods in Quebec, including flammable, corrosive, explosive or toxic products, is a practice governed by legislation designed to protect the public and the environment. On the Quebec road network, roadside inspectors ensure that the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations are followed to the letter by the transport companies and their drivers.

Several inspection operations are conducted each year to identify offenders and ensure that they change their behaviour. But is the number of non-compliant trucks or drivers intercepted a cause for concern?

Controle routier Quebec: the authority for the transportation of dangerous goods

CRQ (Controle routier Quebec) is a law enforcement agency that operates under the Quebec Ministry of Transport and is connected to the Société de l ‘assurance automobile du Québec. Its job is to monitor and inspect road transport, and to enforce the laws and regulations governing the industry.

The face of the agency: roadside inspectors

Roadside inspectors within the agency patrol every highway in Quebec in order to improve road safety, as well as ensure competitive fairness between transport companies. As such, they are authorized to conduct audits at trucking companies.

100,000 inspections per year

Each year, several inspections take place at various strategic points on the province’s highway system. The total number of inspections is around 100,000 vehicles per year.

The number of offenders intercepted on the highway

According to a chief inspector employed by Controle routier Quebec, of the 100,000 cars and trucks inspected, about 3,000 transport dangerous goods. Of these, about 300 violate one or more sections of the regulations.

Common offenses

Offenses determined by roadside inspectors often relate to the administrative side of things. For example, during a check, the driver must have his certificate of competence to prove that he received specific training related to the transport of dangerous goods, such as explosives. He must also present the shipping documents, which contain specific information about the shipment.

Dangerous goods carriers maintain their trucks well

Around 3% of vehicles carrying dangerous goods are removed from the road due to major defects. While the situation isn’t perfect, this statistic is reassuring. It even demonstrates the commitment of the transportation companies working in this sector. Indeed, during roadside checks, about 13% of vehicles generally have major mechanical problems.

For safer transportation of dangerous goods

In conclusion, although it is impossible to regulate every at-risk truck is and prevent every accident, the fact remains that the measures implemented at various levels of government appear to bear fruit. The number of people violating the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations is very low.

At Transport Econo Nord, safety in the transportation of dangerous goods is everyone’s business. From product warehousing to delivery, our processes are highly regulated and comply with legislation. Partner with us in the logistics and transportation of all kinds of goods.