HALIFAX — Nova Scotia has increased the weight limit for axles equipped with the new-generation wide-based single tires. The change has been effective since the beginning of the month.

The province has upped the 6,000 kg limit for two wide-based tires per axle to 7,700 kg on provincial maximum-weight roads. For tandem axles the weight limit jumps to 15,400 kg from 12,000 kg. A narrow spread tridem axle is increased to 21,000 for 21,300 kg for a wide spread tridem.

The tires are specifically designed to replace a set of duals. They are considerably wider and more road-friendly than the older-style single tires, which were said to damage pavement.

“The single wide-based tires reduce rolling resistance, and improve fuel economy,” said Transportation and Public Works Minister Angus MacIsaac in a press release. “Truckers will also be able to carry additional payload on roads that are capable of handling the increased weight.”

Manitoba recently made the same changes, joining B.C. as the two western provinces to allow 7,700 kg. The weight standard makes sense mainly for loads bound for the U.S., where the 17,000 lb limit is at par with 7,700 kg.

Quebec is the only province to allow 9,100 km for singles (by special permit), giving them full parity with duals. In Ontario, it’ll cost you a 1,000 kg penalty, as the province allows 8,000 kg per axle.

Peter Nelson, executive director of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, welcomed the important step in the Maritimes. “Next-generation wide-based tires are to be celebrated for their efficiency and safety,” he said.

New Brunswick, which has been testing single tires for the past couple years, is expected to make a similar announcement shortly.