REGINA, Sask. – Saskatchewan’s transportation policy division has introduced several changes to its weights and dimensions regulations, making a major move towards harmonization in the eyes of the industry.

“We’ve been talking to (the Department of Highways and Transportation) on some of these changes,” says Jim Friesen, general manager of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association. “They are certainly welcome news for the industry.”

The new regulations include increasing the gross vehicle weight allowed for an eight axle C-Train with an approved C dolly from 58,500 kg to 60,500 kg on the primary highway network only. Friesen says some of the changes were made in an effort to work towards national harmonization.

“I knew they were working on these, but I had no idea they were working so diligently,” he adds. “I’m pleasantly surprised.”

As well, other changes include:

the box length for A-Trains and truck and trailer combinations is now 20 metres so permits are no longer required for this length and configuration. The overall legal length remains at 23 metres for truck and trailer combinations and 25 metres for A-, B- and C-Trains;

the weight limit on the steering axle of two and three axle straight trucks has changed from 5,550 kg to a maximum of 7,250 kg again on the primary highway system only;

the effective overhang on straight trucks is now four metres measured from the centre of the drive axle on a single drive truck or from the centre of a tandem drive axle unit to the end of the truck or load;

the maximum hitch offset for truck or semi-trailer towing a trailer is 1.8 metres. The hitch offset is measured from the centre of a drive axle unit or centre of the semi-trailer axle unit to the eye of the hitch;

the minimum wheelbase for a semi-trailer, full trailer, or pony trailer exceeding 4,500 kg and not including recreational vehicles is 6.25 metres;

some permit conditions that have been (D sign requirements or flashing amber lights for example) incorporated into these regulations;

and over-dimension signs must not be displayed when not required. n