Lafarge Canada has received provincial approval to operate trailers equipped with hydraulically forced steering axles for concrete delivery in Alberta.
This advancement follows a successful multi-year pilot in Calgary and Edmonton, and marks an update to Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, intended to benefit all sectors involved in the transportation of goods, according to a news release.
“This approval showcases how innovative technologies can revolutionize logistics and deliver real benefits to our customers by boosting efficiency,” said David Schmidt, fleet manager at Lafarge Canada, in a news release. “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 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% increase in capacity across all fleets.
These specialized trailers improve maneuverability in tight urban areas and complex construction zones. With rear-steer axles that pivot the back wheels, they reduce the turning radius and make navigation far easier and safer.
Reducing number of trucks on road
This improvement enables the company to reduce the number of trucks on the road, cut emissions, and enhance both efficiency and safety.
This achievement reflects a collective effort between industry and government. David Schmidt and Andrew Barnes from the Alberta Motor Transportation Association (AMTA) guided the regulatory process, engaging Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors and the province’s Transport Engineering group, according to the release.
The initiative obtained legislative approval with Devin Dreeshen, minister of transportation and economic corridors, ‘s formal endorsement, and the support of Andrew Pillman’s team at Alberta Transportation.
While the regulations were being shaped, Lafarge worked with technical experts to bring the pilot project to life. Precision Mixers assembled the specialized trailers, Simard Suspensions holds exclusive rights to the forced steering axle technology, and VSE delivered the steering control system.
Pilot programs in other provinces
Over an 18-month trial in real-world conditions, Lafarge validated the system’s performance with the help of Calgary-based driver Ron Labine and Edmonton-based driver Volodymyr Dushenko. The success led to municipal approvals in Calgary and Edmonton before the province-wide green light.
Though the approval is Alberta-specific, additional provinces are preparing pilot programs in 2025, signaling potential for broader adoption.
As part of its transportation roadmap, Lafarge 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,” said Ian Paine, director of ready-mix performance at Lafarge Canada. “It’s a win for logistics, infrastructure, and most importantly, the communities we serve.”
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