REGINA, Saskatchewan — The province of Saskatchewan has increased the payload per axle limit to 8,500 kilograms from 7,700, paving the way for truckers to use wide-base single heavy-duty truck tires.
Saskatchewan becomes the fourth Canadian province to adopt the increased payloads, which Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. argues allows the trucking industry to increase hauling and payload capacity, while reducing its carbon footprint.
The other provinces with the higher payload limits are Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario, although Manitoba's revised regulations pertain to trucks travelling provincial highways that meet national load ratings, according to Michelin.
Freight transportation is one of the biggest greenhouse gas challenges — and opportunities — responsible for 7 percent of Canada's overall emissions, Michelin said. Switching to the wide-base singles from duals yields an estimated greenhouse gas (GHG) impact equivalent to removing 1.8 cars off the road for every heavy truck, Michelin claims.
"…we are particularly encouraged to see that Saskatchewan is implementing an environmentally friendly approach to commercial mobility, which also helps the trucking sector improve its competitiveness," said Jeff MacLean, president, Michelin North America (Canada).
"Accelerating the adoption of…wide -base single tires is one important way that government and industry can use innovative technologies to help drive Canada's clean-growth agenda."
Michelin singled out the leaders of the Government of Saskatchewan, the province's Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure and the Saskatchewan Trucking Association, who worked collaboratively on enacting the regulations.