LAVAL, Quebec — The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has increased load limits on roads throughout the province for certain wide-base single truck tires, clearing the way for truckers to operate coast to coast across Canada on the wide-base option.
The change, to 8,500 kilograms per axle from 7,700 kilograms for tires sized 455/55R22.5, translates to an increase in hauling capacity, a decrease in fuel consumption and a greater respect for the environment through lower emissions, according to Michelin North America (Canada) Inc.,
Wide-base single tires require less petroleum in their production and produce less waste when worn out than conventional dual tires, Michelin said, while also offering fuel savings to truckers because of lower rolling resistance as well as higher load possibilities.
British Columbia agreed to change its limits after lobbying efforts by the British Columbia Trucking Association and Michelin Canada, according to Michelin. The parties submitted testimony to B.C.'s Climate Leadership Consultation ahead of the Paris Agreement, underscoring how innovative tire technology contributes to sustainable mobility.
Heavy trucks expend an estimated one in every three tanks of fuel to overcome the rolling resistance of the tires alone, which is improved with wide-base, single tires, Michelin said.
British Columbia is the second province to take action in 2018 on this matter. In April New Brunswick announced that fleet members of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association can participate in a pilot project for New Generation Wide Base Tire load parity applicable to tire size 455/55R22.5.
The issue of load parity first arose in 2008 in Ontario and 2009 in Quebec, Michelin said. In 2015, Manitoba revised its regulations, allowing load parity for heavy trucks that meet national load ratings while traveling provincial highways.
As of July 1, 2017, all the Prairie provinces had adopted regulations permitting the use of wide-base single tires at competitive loads.
"Michelin's purpose is to consistently innovate, developing and championing the use of green technology that supports responsible, commercial mobility, which also benefits people and the environment," Jeff MacLean, president, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc., said.
"B.C.'s openness to well-founded arguments from knowledgeable stakeholders, such as the British Columbia Trucking Association, on how to reduce the carbon footprint of the commercial transport sector benefits the majority of Canadians. Heavy trucks now have the option to run competitive loads in an uninterrupted and eco-friendly fashion from coast to coast."