Manitoba, Sask closer to harmonized transport rules

WINNIPEG — After a series of meetings this past spring, the governments of Manitoba and Saskatchewan are said to be nearing a policy on more streamlined transportation regs and coordinated highway enforcement.

The two jurisdictions continue pursuing plans to equalize "the rules of the road" for truck transport — much the way Alberta and Saskatchewan already have.

The Manitoba Trucking Association recently detailed some of the polices that would be discussed for harmonization and enhancement.

Beyond addressing the differing levels of on-road enforcement activities between jurisdictions and the effect on carrier profiles, issues include:

National Safety Code weight thresholds; HOS rules; Long Combination Vehicles and appropriate rest stops for those vehicles; movement of over-dimensional loads, including "a one-stop-shop" for permits; escort and pilot car requirements; operating conditions for tandem and tridem double drop and low bed combos; B-train groups; using tridem drive tractors without permits; allowable weights on wide-base tires; weight allowances to offset tare weight increase of fuel efficient add-ons, and use of full length boat tails; mandatory on-board recorders; accountability for shippers using non-asset based 3PLs.