Sask. standardizes wide-base truck tires

Truckers will soon be able to drive from Ontario to Saskatchewan using the same set of tires without any special permits.

Previously truck drivers from out of province had to apply for special permits in Saskatchewan because the tires on their trucks were different.

On Monday the Saskatchewan government announced a deal with Ontario to make single wide-base tires which carry more weight per wheel the industry standard.

Highways Minister Lori Carr said this will reduce trade barriers by using the same regulations as Ontario and Manitoba.

“For the industry what it really means is they’ll be able to drive from Ontario –one end of Ontario, all the way to the other end of Saskatchewan with no impediments in their way, so that’s great for business,” she said.

Carr also noted the added benefit of the tires being more environmentally friendly.

“These wide-based tires will actually reduce gas consumption by approximately 10 per cent. That is great for the company because it reduces their bottom line, but if we’re using 10 per cent less fuel, it’s great for the environment also,” the minister said.

The province first started using single wide-base tires instead of dual ones on commercial trucks through a pilot project in 2017.

Manitoba has already made them the industry standard.

With files from CJME’s Joseph Ho