A new trucking pilot project has been launched with Tolko Industries Ltd. in Northern Manitoba.

The one-month trial will be to test the safety and economics of carrying heavier wood loads to the company’s plant in The Pas.

“Manitoba’s trucking policies are among the most flexible and responsive in Canada,” said Transportation Minister Steve Ashton in press release on Feb. 14, “I am pleased to launch this pilot project to meet Tolko’s request to use different equipment where it is safe to do so.”

During the pilot project, one truck will be allowed to carry a load 2.5 meters longer than currently permitted. Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation’s Motor Carrier Division will monitor results of the project. The change would give trucks about 20 per cent more load capacity.

“This new equipment is important to our operation and our future,” said Doug Hunt, woodlands manager, Manitoba Solid Wood Division, “we would like to thank the Manitoba government for ensuring that as long as we run a safe operation, new ideas for progress can be explored and are not held up by red tape.”

On average, about 200 truckloads of round wood arrive at Tolko’s plant in The Pas each week.