Winter weights season is finally here, after being postponed in the southwest due to above average temperatures.
Usually getting underway on November 16 each year, the provincial government has only officially given the green light for shippers to increase the weight of their loads on secondary highways starting today.
In a written release from the province, it's explained that winter temperatures freeze the roads which allows them to support heavier weights, and with the warmer-than-usual autumn in the southwest, it’s taken longer than previous years to get to that point.
"Most of the food, fuel and fertilizer Saskatchewan produces is shipped around the globe," Minister of Highways Jeremy Cockrill said. "Winter weights benefit our shippers by permitting heavier loads without damaging the pavement. I'd like to thank truckers and shippers for their patience while we waited for the ground to freeze."
Steve Shaheen, the senior communications consultant for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways, detailed further that once the roadbed is frozen, secondary weight highways contain the same amount of strength as primary weight highways.
"Unless the weather dramatically shifts or changes in the next little while, we look into that spring period," Shaheen said. "They typically are removed on March 15."
Shippers and truckers benefit from the winter weights seasons because they can ship more product on each truck, saving them money and time, and maximizing efficiency.
Even with the go-ahead, all commercial truckers and shippers are still strongly encouraged to check the status of secondary highways regularly.
Shaheen added that other resources include calling 511, checking the Ministry of Highways social medias, or by phoning 1 866 933 5290.