The Government of Saskatchewan has approved new trucking regulations that combine rules between Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC through a New West Partnership.
"These changes will enable industry to increase efficiency through reduced operating costs and reduced red tape," said Highways and Infrastructure Minister, Don McMorris. "The changes give industry more options for transporting goods depending on the vehicle/trailer combinations and internal dimensions."
The goal of the new regulations is to make interprovincial trucking easier, more efficient and cost effective.
As part of the regulatory change, tridem drive trucks (with three rear-drive axles) can now tow pony trailers.
This change gives carriers who need to tow office trailers, RV's and tool cribs the ability to minimize the number of trips, drivers and vehicles required.
"Various amendments benefit the agriculture and resource sector and respond to requests made by the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities," a government press release claims.
Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Dave Marit commented: "We are pleased to see the government responding to a resolution put forward by our members. The increase in weight for tridem drive B-train combinations on secondary weight highways will help get product coming out of rural areas to market more efficiently."
Late in March, the Saskatchewan provincial government said they'll relax truck weight restrictions on rural highways in order to get farmers' grain to ports because of the current grain movement crisis.
"Our government is committed to assisting farmers in getting their grain out of the bins and to market as quickly as possible," Don McMorris said. "While we will continue to protect our investment in highways during the spring thaw, we will allow for some exceptions to spring road bans to facilitate farmers' urgent transportation needs."
Shippers and farmers may apply to Ministry District Offices for permits that will allow for heavier than published spring weights, but all haulers must hold a permit to access the heavier weights and the flexibility only applies to agricultural commodities.
