EDMONTON — Newsflash! Alberta, B.C., and Saskatchewan are actually one big island. At least when it comes to trucking.

That’s the opinion of the new Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) Executive Director Don Wilson, as delivered in the association’s latest monthly newsletter.

Specifically, Wilson says, the three provinces must work towards harmonization with the east when it comes to super-single tires.

"The provinces," he says in a Q&A, "are concerned about the impact of super singles on infrastructure and we are providing them with third-party research that will provide the measures that point to the information they need in order to move.??

"The benefits of super singles to the environment, productivity and road safety are clearly demonstrated.”

Furthermore, even though the three westernmost Canadian provinces are on the verge of launching a breakthrough plan for regulatory harmonization, he says there’s still a long way to go.

"For example,” Wilson says, “the maximum allowable length of longer combination vehicles in Saskatchewan is 41 meters. In B.C. LCVs can be no more than 42 meters and Alberta permits no more that 39 meters…clearly this is inefficient.?

“When Alberta moves to increase its maximum allowable LCV length to be 41 meters then we can provide drivers with longer-wheel-base tractors which provide greater comfort, thus making them safer on the road.

“Studies show that comfortable drivers are safer drivers.”

Wilson assumed leadership of the AMTA six months ago when former chief Mayne Root retired.