Breaking Down Borders for Truckers

New commercial regulations will make it easier and more efficient for truckers to deliver their goods to Nova Scotia from other parts of Canada.

Government is amending weight and dimension regulations for commercial vehicles and is signing a memorandum of understanding that will bring Nova Scotia regulations in line with those of most other Canadian jurisdictions.

"We want Nova Scotia to have the most competitive and business-friendly environment, and the last thing we need is a wall of red tape greeting truckers when they hit our border," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Geoff MacLellan. “We’ve committed to getting rid of unnecessary red tape both within our province and between provinces. This is one example of how we’re doing that. These changes will make it easier for trucking businesses to be successful.”

Revisions include the following:

• allowance of truck modifications that improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel consumption
• allowance of longer double tractor-trailer configurations, giving more options and opportunities for the movement of goods
• changes to allow more trucks to go on more provincial roads
• technical changes to axle and drive configurations so trucking companies can stay current with existing industry practices

"We applaud the province for making these changes to the regulations; they bring us closer to harmonization on vehicle weights and dimensions with other provinces across Canada," said Jean-Marc Picard, executive director, Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association. "Trucking is an important part of the economy in Nova Scotia and an essential service to deliver all goods. Aligning ourselves with other provinces on weights and dimensions brings much needed efficiencies and smoother flow of goods."

The changes are in response to industry's requests and are endorsed by the National Task Force on Vehicle Weights and Dimensions which monitors, evaluates, and recommends necessary changes.

Earlier this year, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick created the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness. The Office's mandate is to identify and eliminate barriers to growth within the province and region and, by doing so, contribute to a stronger economy. To learn more, visit www.novascotia.ca/regulatoryopportunity .