The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure recently has amended its policies regarding the use of wide base single tires (WBST), effective immediately. B.C. is allowing increased weight allowances for WBSTs that are 455 mm or wider to receive a single axle weight of 8,500 kg (18,739 lb.), up from 7,700 kg (16,975 lb.), according to the ministry.
“The increase in weight allowance assists the trucking industry in meeting their greenhouse gas requirements by reducing the number of trips. Increased fuel economy for WBST also contributes to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,” Steve Haywood, director, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Branch, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, states in a notice.
The British Columbia Trucking Association (BCTA) and Michelin Canada addressed the issue with Canadian officials, underscoring how available tire technology contributes to “sustainable mobility,” and that heavy trucks expend an estimated one in every three tanks of fuel to overcome the rolling resistance of the tires alone, which is improved with wide-base, single tires, according to a Michelin announcement.
“Michelin’s purpose is to consistently innovate, developing and championing the use of green technology that supports responsible, commercial mobility, which also benefits people and the environment,” says Jeff MacLean, president, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. “B.C.’s openness to well-founded arguments from knowledgeable stakeholders, such as the [BCTA], on how to reduce the carbon footprint of the commercial transport sector benefits the majority of Canadians. Heavy trucks now have the option to run competitive loads in an uninterrupted and eco-friendly fashion from coast to coast.”
To read the full amendment, CLICK HERE.
