REGINA, Sask. –Saskatchewan has harmonized its B-train weight allowances with Alberta and B.C. to improve the flow of goods across western Canada. An amendment to the Vehicle Weight and Dimension Regulations, 1999 allows B-trains to operate at 63,500 kg, up from a previous limit of 62,500 kg on the province’s most heavily-travelled highways. Alberta and B.C. already allowed 63,500 kg GVWs for B-trains.

“This weight increase is an example of the New West Partnership at work,” Saskatchewan’s Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. “It’s a change specifically requested by the commercial carrier industry that will have tangible and immediate benefits, and it supports the goal of the New West Partnership in creating a barrier-free trade zone and investment climate in the three western-most provinces.”

“We’re very pleased to see the provincial government moving forward on harmonization of regulations for our industry,” Saskatchewan Trucking Association director Steve Balzer added. “The largest impact on commercial carriers is the ability to operate B-train combinations through the Saskatchewan-Alberta-B. C. corridor without having to reduce shipping weight.”

The increase is expected to provide carriers with 2.5% greater productivity. For a list of affected highways, visit www.gov.sk.ca.