REGINA — Saskatchewan has joined its westerly neighbors in increasing the weight limit for B-train combinations, bumping the payload for these units by 2.5 percent.

Saskatchewan will hike the weight threshold by 11, 000 kg (to 63,500 kg from 62,500) on the most frequently traveled highways, allowing shippers to transport freight at the same weight as in Alberta and B.C.

Carriers hauling dry bulk commodities often have difficulty in properly distributing their loads and are therefore not able to maximize their loading. By increasing the allowable weight by one tonne on the centre axle, carriers will have the flexibility they need to increase their payload, says Saskatchewan Trucking Association director Steve Balzer.

The increase will be done in two phases. Phase 1 will be implemented June 1, 2010, providing a weight limit increase to specified provincial highways (click here for a list of routes). Phase 2, which would be implemented at a future date, would see the weight increase expanded to the remaining primary weight highways capable of supporting the increased weight, and would allow both urban and rural municipalities the ability to increase primary weight within their respective jurisdictions by bylaw.

"This weight increase is an example of the New West Partnership at work," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said in a press release. "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."