Transport Minister may curb dumpster truck operations

THURSDAY, JAN. 19: The trucking industry in Bermuda consists of many vehicles with various capabilities and capacities and a clear distinction between trucks and trailers.

The Motor Car Act of 1951 stipulates that there are restrictions on the type of load that a tractor trailer dumpster can carry along with limitations on the time of day that dumpsters can operate on Bermuda’s roads.

In accordance to the Act, the policy has defined that a tractor trailer dumpster can only carry items that a truck cannot. Policy also dictates the specific times that a tractor trailer dumpster is restricted from operating.

There are some cases in which it is more practical to appeal to the Minister for an exception and consequently, under Section 41 (3) of the Motor Car Act, the Minister of Transport has the authority to grant operators permits based on a sound application.

Upon receipt of a permit, a tractor trailer dumpster is permitted to carry its own items as a result of fulfilling the business needs of its own company.

Only in extreme situations has the Minister approved a tractor trailer dumpster to work outside of the time constraints set in the policy. In such cases, the details of the approval are outlined in the permit, which should always be accessible during operation.

Anyone working outside of the law will face the appropriate consequences after appearing before the Trucks Advisory Committee.

Currently, there are about thirteen dumpsters registered, with seven in operation. One of the seven owners does not have a dumpster but rather an oversized trailer that can carry similar items.

Conversely, there is a registered owner with a larger truck that carries more than the traditional truck. All, including the latter two, have been apprised of the policy; however, concerns have been expressed on the frequency that tractor trailer dumpsters have been seen on the roads and the type of loads that they are carrying.

As a result, I have chosen this opportunity to reiterate that there is an application process to gain permits for special cases. In an effort to moderate the effect that this may have on the general trucking segment, moving forward I am considering limiting the number of days that a tractor trailer dumpster can be in operation on the road per week. Please be assured that we will do our due diligence before any changes are put in place.