I think that they are talking about a separate unit as a speed limiter. If you are talking about the ECM, then it isn't a big deal to change the speed limit as long as you have the software and computer. I believe those cost about $800 used. I checked on one for my trucks a couple of years ago. Each engine brand requires different software and computer. But who is going to take a computer around with them for each truck?

 

apparently that's the whole idea of the speed limiter issue, because trucks have had that capability since mid 90's at least. So it's "easy" for them to come up with the idea.

I don't think they need separate laptops, but they need a different connector and software for each brand truck.

 

Sounds like more corporation backed legislation,....who sells these units? and who are their political pets/ lobbyists?

 

The one I looked at was handheld. But you need the right connectors for the ECM and proper software. I don't think it is brand specific to each truck manufacturer, but is for the engine manufacturer. I was told that I could use it on my CAT engines. However, I believe you would need software or some sort of module for each type of engine. For instance, it might work on a 3406E, but not on a C15. I think this will be cost prohibitive for the carriers. It is much cheaper for us to simply stay out of Canada than deal with all this garbage. I am certainly not going to buy speed limiters for my trucks. Perhaps their idea is to restrict trade between the U.S. and Canada without actually breaking any trade agreements. By using speed limiter legislation they are not actually breaking any trade agreements. Canadian trucks can enter the U.S. but ours cannot unless we comply with the speed limiter legislation. I think it would be cheaper to just pay the fines than go to the cost of buying and installing a speed limiter in each truck.

 

The Ontario Trucking Association is the entity spearheading this movement. They lobbied the politicians, who of course are on board because if they oppose it, then the next speeding truck that kills someone is the politicians fault.

IMO, this is a clever way for the Ontario based carriers ----and there are alot of them on side with this scam----to increase their market share in ON by keeping out of province carriers away. Plain and simple. US carriers are likely to interline with Ontario carriers by dropping Ontario bound freight at a depot.

If I were the US carriers, I would lobby the US gov for a law that mandated all speed limiters be set to 107 KPH. Why should ON trucks be allowed to go into the US without reprogramming their limiters?

 

I think that trucks coming into this country should be able to do the posted speed limit in all states in which they travel. It might be a good way to turn this type of legislation around. Of course, the ATA and some of the larger U.S. carriers are pushing for speed limiters in this country comparable to those in Canada. ATA only represents about 14% of the carriers in the U.S., but they carry a lot of clout. If they have their way we will be forced to do the same thing here as they are in Canada.