Monthly Archives: April 2017

Long Combination Vehicles – A Tale of Two Trailers – Part 3

Long Combination Vehicles
A Tale of Two Trailers

Part 3:
Unsure About LCVs?

Other than hazardous waste/tanker trucks, Long Combination Vehicles (LCV’s) are the most highly scrutinized vehicles on our highways. The drivers are held to the highest standards in the trucking industry. The trucking companies that run LCVs are held to higher standards. They must be vigilant to adhere to those standards lest they lose their special licensing. While the industry has done its best to mitigate the potential disadvantages of LCVs, it is naïve to think that all negative possibilities can be eliminated.

Do the pros of LCVs outweigh the cons?

The Cons of LCVs

It doesn’t require an engineering degree to realize that the larger and heavier a vehicle is the longer the time required to bring such a vehicle to a complete stop when it is operating at highway speed. LCVs require more time to get up to speed and more time to slow down and come to a stop.

The extra connections on LCVs allow greater potential for lack of control in the rear trailer. Owing to the greater length and weight, the more subject LCVs are to instability on the road. Logically these disadvantages are amplified in slippery weather conditions.

There are difficulties associated with maneuverability. LCVs are more difficult to park, turn, and back up.

Wear and tear to roads and loading docks is more pronounced with LCVs due to their extra weight.

The Pros of LCVs

Without a doubt one of the greatest advantages of LCVs is the fact that they help reduce the number of trucks on the road. This is good news for trucking companies and the general public. A reduction in traffic density is advantageous for everyone on the road. And for trucking companies the associated reduction in costs for maintenance and wages is great for the bottom line. Transportation companies can only pass extra savings onto their customers when they are being profitable themselves.

There is an element of safety-consciousness with regard to LCVs that doesn’t exist withLong Combination Vehicles other motor vehicles. The routes LCVs have available to them are restricted, and the units themselves are subject to special licensing. Furthermore, only highly experienced drivers can operate LCVs.

LCVs can do more with less. They haul a greater amount of cargo with greater fuel efficiency than a single trailer. While LCVs might not be the best option for heavier loads, they are an excellent choice for light truck loads. Instead of using two trucks and trailers for two loads, one LCV can deliver those same two loads with less fuel.

The Green Factor

Because the environment is such a huge topic, and one of the greatest advantages of LCVs, “the green factor” warrants further discussion. Check out Part 4 of “ Long Combination Vehicles – A Tale of Two Trailers”, where we will tackle the subject of LCVs and environmental impact.

Rig Logistics is an asset-based private carrier based out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Please contact us if you are interested in driving for a carrier who is in it for the long haul, or if you are in need of reliable supply-chain solutions.