The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA) said the group helped secure a special exemption for commercial vehicles transporting RVs to Newfoundland using Marine Atlantic.
In September 2022, Marine Atlantic decided to remove the commercial vehicle classification for drivers trying to return home after making their delivery. The decision meant drivers were not able to automatically qualify for a “Berth Unit” or sleeping accommodation for the nearly eight-hour return trip.
The exemption means, effective immediately, new RVs destined for delivery to Newfoundland RV dealers may travel as commercial vehicles, including motorhomes and double units comprised of pick-up trucks towing new travel and fifth wheel trailers.
To travel under this exemption:
- At North Sydney check in, the driver must produce documentation identifying the RV that is either:
- The Canadian Boarder Services Agency manifest or the Canada Customs invoice; or
- The manufacturer’s invoice clearly stating delivery to an RV dealer in NL.
This exemption may also apply to the return travel back to North Sydney.
- At check in, the driver must produce the booking number showing their travel to NL under a commercial booking for the same tow unit with the same passengers within the previous seven days.
- The unit may be the returning pick-up truck alone, or with another trailer unit in tow. For motorhomes, the same passengers must be returning but the RV can be different.
- Drivers without vehicles (foot passengers) will be ticketed as passenger-related.
All other normal commercial processes and pricing will apply. If the driver cannot, or chooses not to, present the required documentation, units will be ticketed as passenger-related and follow all normal passenger processes and pricing.
