REGINA, Sask. – The Saskatchewan government has introduced shipper legislation making the consignor of goods liable for the intentional overloading of a truck.

The Ministry of Transportation and Highways is in the process of identifying shippers and consignors so it can make them aware of this new legislation and launch a public awareness campaign.

The B.C. Trucking Association is encouraged by the move, as it has been lobbying the Insurance Corp. of B.C. to implement a similar set of rules in that province.

As well, Saskatchewan Government Insurance has unveiled plans for a new licensing regime that will rate the performance of all drivers in the province. The goal is to reduce insurance rates for those with the best record. SGI says approximately 55 per cent of drivers in the province will enjoy lower insurance premiums – from five to seven per cent – after the first year of the program, officially known as Safe Driver Recognition. Slated to take effect on July 1, all Saskatchewan motorists will be placed on a safety rating scale based on their driving record since 1995. Under the scheme, certain incidents – such as at-fault accidents and traffic-related Criminal Code convictions – will cost drivers points.