FREDERICTON — Truckers looking to take advantage of weight and fuel-saving new generation single wide-base tires can now do so in New Brunswick.

The province just announced it has joined its Atlantic neighbor Nova Scotia and a handful of other jurisdictions by allowing a maximum 7,700 kg per axle for single tires on certain highways.

New generation single-wide tires benefit the environment by reducing rolling resistance and saving on fuel. The tires, which truckers swear create a much smoother and quieter ride, can also support heavier axle loads than previous standard single tires without damage to the pavement, meaning shippers can reduce the number of vehicle trips required to move their goods.

After years of testing, NB has finally okayed a 7,700 kg
per axle weight limit for new generation single tires.

“These new generation single tires will both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase industry productivity,” said N.B. Transportation Minister Denis Landry said. “This represents a practical way for us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector and to work toward achieving our goal of self-sufficiency by 2026.”

The new tires must have a minimum width of 445 millimetres. To use them, truckers must buy a special $50 permit, which will be valid for highways with a GVW rating of 56,500 kg or 62,500 kg for one year. Allowable weights on all other roads will remain at 6,160 kg per axle.

As well, axles equipped with older, standard single tires will continue to be restricted to 6,000 kg.

For years, most provincial regulators capped weight allowances at about 6,000 kg because pavement engineers confused the evolved, new generation singles with the older standard versions often called ‘super singles’ or ‘flotation’ tires. The latter did indeed damage pavement, but several studies have shown that the current new-gen, wide-base versions do not.

Manitoba, B.C. and N.S. all upped their weight thresholds for singles this past year. Ontario allows 8,000 kg (17,367 lb), but only Quebec gives the full 9,000 kg (19,841 lb) parity enjoyed by dual tire sets (by permit only).

New Brunswick has been on the verge of increasing the limit to at least 7,700 kg for some time, but wanted to complete a series of pavement damage tests it was conducting. In fact, the province has arguably studied the modern tires more closely than any other province.

Permits are available by contacting the special permit office at 506-453-2982.