Toronto, February 23, 2017
The Quebec Ministry of Transportation has released its 2017 “Spring Thaw” dates and zones. These are container weight restrictions imposed every year to protect Quebec highways during the spring thaw.
| Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 |
| Montreal, Montmagny, Sherbrooke, St. Jerome | Val D’Or, Chicoutimi, Sept Iles, Riviere du Loup | Remaining portion of Quebec |
| Monday, March 13 (12:01 a.m.)
to Friday, May 12 (11:59 p.m.) |
Monday, March 20 (12:01 a.m.)
to Friday, May 19 (11:59 p.m.) |
Monday, March 27 (12:01 a.m.) to Friday, May 26 (11:59 p.m.) |
The maximum recommended cargo weight carried during the thaw period is as follows:
| 20’ Std: | 48,000 lbs |
| 40’ Std/HQ: | 50,000 lbs |
| 45’HQ: | 50,000 lbs |
| 20’ Reefer: | 46,000 lbs |
| 40’ Reefer: | 48,000 lbs |
Please note, these details are guidelines. The dates are subject to change by the Quebec Ministry of Transportation, depending on actual weather conditions. It is advisable that you visit the Ministry’s website (available only in French), for complete updated details. We recommend that you ensure your shippers are aware of these cargo weight limits in order to prevent any additional costs/handling once containers arrive in Quebec during the thaw period.
Cargo that is deemed overweight may require the trucker to use extra axles which will incur additional costs.
If you have any questions concerning shipments booked with Universal Logistics and how they may be impacted by the above, please call (905) 882-4880, ext. 308 Debbie McGuire, Manager – Freight Solutions.
