Winter weight season has officially begun across the province starting today, Friday, December 2. 

Winter weights allow shippers to increase the weight of their loads on secondary highways to primary weight, increasing the efficiency of each truckload and reducing costs for shippers. 

Typically, winter weights have started on November 16 each year, and have run until March 14. The Government of Saskatchewan says that winter weights were delayed this year due to warmer-than-usual weather in autumn, and therefore, took the ground longer to freeze underneath secondary roads. 

"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."

Winter temperatures freeze secondary roads, allowing them to support more weight without damaging the highways. Shippers and truckers benefit because they can ship more products on each truck, which can reduce their costs.

The Sask. Government says that municipal roads are the responsibility of each rural municipality, which sets its own weight limits.