GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta. — An Alberta log hauler is reportedly the first carrier in Canada to be allowed to run nine and 10-axle trucks in the province.

According to Sun Media, Minhas Bros. Trucking of Grande Prairie was certified by Alberta Transportation as part of a pilot project to reduce costs and boost efficiency in the forestry sector.

Under the new permit, the same weight limit per axle remains, but the extra axles could add payload of roughly 10 percent, up to about 78,000 kg, up from the eight axles and 63,500 kg previously.

Fleet owner Yad Minhas told the newspaper that by increasing loads, the company has been able to run less equipment, which reduces costs and has les impact on the environment.

Minhas said the company began planning for the increase three years ago, when the forestry sector was getting battered by the softwood lumber dispute, pipe beetle problems, and was on the cusp of a general economic downturn.

A joint effort from multiple companies including the Alberta Forest Products Association helped the cause.

Government and stakeholders examined several factors such as braking, rollover risks, and weight capacity on certain bridges. It was decided to limit the pilot in the Slave Lake area where there are fewer bridges.

Alberta Transportation eventually approved the plan earlier this year.

The timing couldn’t be better, says Minhas.

"It’s been three years now of depression … but there’s light, there’s hope,”