March 2, 2015
Manitoba Government Advises Regulation Changes Now in Place will Transform Trucking Industry When Wider Tires Hit the Road
– – –New Technology Leads to Less Fuel Consumption, Improved Gas Efficiency, New Opportunities: Minister Chief
Manitoba’s trucking industry can now take advantage of new provincial regulations allowing the use of new generation wide-base single tires that help reduce fuel consumption and improve gas efficiency, Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief and Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“We are listening to Manitoba companies that want to access more markets throughout Canada and the U.S.,” said Minister Chief. “These rule changes will mean greater opportunities for companies that rely on tractor trailers for shipping and capitalize on our geographic advantage being at the center of the continent. This announcement means trucks travelling north from the United States that use the new generation tires can enter Manitoba for destinations like Centre Port Canada.”
Some of the benefits associated with wide-base single truck tires include:
- less weight than dual tires, resulting in increased hauling and payload capacity;
- lower fuel costs and decreased greenhouse-gas emissions;
- reduced noise and tire recycling waste;
- improved ride and comfort for operators; and
- reduced handling and costs associated with tires, resulting in considerable saving and increased productivity for operators.
The change in provincial regulations will allow full loads on rigs using wide-base single truck tires on provincial highways that meet national load ratings known as Roads and Transportation Association of Canada(RTAC) highways. These include the Trans-Canada Highway and Centre Port Canada Way.
The new generation wide-base tires can now be used at full RTAC weights on RTAC highways, Minister Kostyshyn said.
“These changes will have a positive impact on the trucking industry,” said Minister Kostyshyn. “By lifting weight restrictions now placed on single-tire rigs and allowing full weights with either type of tire, these changes provide industry with the flexibility to choose the type of tire suited for their business with minimal impact on our roads and highways.”
The new rules also come after extensive consultations with the trucking industry, Minister Kostyshyn said.
“We’ve been advocating for this change for many years so today’s announcement is very welcome news,” said Terry Shaw, executive director, Manitoba Trucking Association. “Trucking companies interested and able to utilize this technology can recognize significant cost savings through reduced fuel consumption.”
The changes took effect Feb. 27.
The RTAC route map can be found on the Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation Motor Carrier Permits and Development website at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/mcd/mcpd/twlm.html.
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