Spilt milk from overloaded tanker truck results in over $5,400 in fines

A truck transporting milk was pulled over and taken off the road for carrying well beyond the weight limit. (SAAQ)

It was a case of spilt milk in Quebec’s Eastern Townships when an overloaded semi-truck was pulled over while leaking dairy products.

The incident occurred on April 27 at the Deauville checkpoint, according to Quebec’s auto insurance board, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).

The Crown corporation explained that at that checkpoint, the maximum weight allowed is 45,000 kg.

The truck weighed in at 70,850 kg - a 25,850 kg difference.

As a result, the carrier received a $4,200 fine, and the operator was penalized $1,218.

“The tanker was excessively full, causing spills from the top of the tanker throughout the journey. With each movement of the truck, milk leaked, posing a safety and environmental hazard,” the SAAQ said.

The corporation added that cracks were found near the rear of the tanker, which was then taken off the road.

The SAAQ noted that during the spring thaw, roads are 30 to 70 per cent more fragile, and a “single overloaded vehicle can cause significant damage.”

“During the spring thaw, this overload accelerates road deterioration and also compromises the safety of road users,” said the SAAQ. “Furthermore, an overloaded heavy vehicle is less safe because its braking, handling and stability are compromised.”

According to the Quebec Transport Ministry (MTQ), the spring thaw dates are as follows:

• Zone 1 - March 16 to May 15 (Southern Quebec below Mont-Tremblant)
• Zone 2 - April 13 to June 12 (From Tremblant to Val-D’Or)
• Zone 3 April 20 to June 10 (Northern Quebec)