Regulatory Changes Give Commercial Trucking a Boost

Released on October 27, 2015

Improvements to Saskatchewan’s commercial trucking rules will keep the wheels of our export-based economy rolling by increasing efficiency, cutting through red tape and helping to protect roads from damage.

Changes to The Vehicle Weights and Dimensions Regulations, 2010 include increasing the length of B Train double trailer truck combinations from 26 to 27.5 metres and the list of highways at which they can operate at 63,500 kg by 300 km to 6,400 km.  The change in length of B Trains harmonizes Saskatchewan’s regulations with rules in other provinces, reducing red tape for carriers.

“Better regulation of commercial trucking supports our economy by lowering costs, allowing more efficient movement of products across provincial borders and making our exporters more competitive,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said.  “Our government has helped to pave the way for these changes through significantly increasing the length of the primary weight network and harmonizing regulations with our New West Partners and across the country.”

Other changes include increasing the allowable length of aerodynamic devices that can be attached to the back of trucks to improve fuel efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and reduce costs.  In addition, new regulations on axle weights for self-propelled equipment such as front-end loaders and wheeled backhoes are being added to clarify the rules and protect highways from undue damage when this equipment is driven on the road.

The changes were welcomed by the truck transport industry.

“It’s a win all-round,” Saskatchewan Trucking Association Executive Director Al Rosseker said.  “It shows what positive results can be achieved when government and industry work together to bring about more efficiencies in freight transport.”

The Government of Saskatchewan has invested a record $5.2 billion in transportation infrastructure since 2008.

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For more information, contact:

Joel Cherry
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805
Email: joel.cherry@gov.sk.ca