WINNIPEG, MB- Manitoba’s truckers can now use wide-base single truck tires to save more fuel thanks to a change in regulation.

“Long-haul tractor trailers outfitted with New Generation Wide Base Single Tires can now carry the same weights as dual tires on designated Manitoba highways,” Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief and Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced yesterday.

“Research shows recent technology gives wide base single truck tires improved characteristics and reduced fuel consumption with minimal effect on the road networks” Minister Chief said.  “These rule changes will mean greater opportunities for companies that rely on tractor trailers for shipping as operators using this technology will now have access to more markets in eastern Canada and the U.S.”

New generation wide-base tires can now be used at full RTAC weights on RTAC highways in Manitoba.  

Terry Shaw, executive director of the Manitoba Trucking Association, commented: “We’ve been advocating for this change for many years so the announcement is very welcome news. Trucking companies interested and able to utilize this technology can recognize significant cost savings through reduced fuel consumption. Of course with less fuel being consumed, less greenhouse gasses are created so the opportunity to promote wider deployment of these tires with this regulatory change is a win economically and environmentally for our industry and province.”