Saskatchewan is harmonizing its wide-base single tires (WBST) program with Ontario as part of a recent commitment between the provinces to improve internal trade. In addition, the program is being expanded and made permanent.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together to improve internal trade within Canada. The harmonization of the tire program will make shipments easier for trucking companies travelling between the two provinces. It also has the additional benefit of curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our provinces are taking action to create a better trade environment in Canada that will result in real benefits to our key sectors and the people who do business in our provinces,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “This announcement is one of several initiatives the provinces are working on to enhance internal trade between Saskatchewan and Ontario.”
This WBST program applies to all 12-month primary weight highways and allows permitted trucks to increase the weight on wide-based single tires, 455 mm or wider, from 3,850 kg to 4,250 kg per tire.
In the coming months, regulations will be amended to allow trucks to use the tires without permit. This change expands and makes permanent a pilot program that began in July 2017. The New Generation Wide-Base Tires are a single wide tire that replaces the traditional dual tires on commercial trucks.