Maybe bigger is better.
But how safe would nine axle logging trucks be if they began making their way routinely through Prince George?
This was one of the concerns voiced at a Prince George city council meeting on Monday.
Council heard from members from the Nine Axle Log Haul Committee who are currently examining the introduction of nine-axle logging trucks to B.C. highways.
The trucks are eight feet longer than conventional logging trucks and, according to the group, the extra axles will increase the gross vehicle weight by 16 per cent and up to 71 tonnes.
"Even though they are larger, they are safer as they have greater braking abilities," said Canfor supply manager Ken Pederson.
"These trucks have gone through extraordinary engineering approval processes."
The province has already approved a route in the Vanderhoof-Fort St. James area where four nine-axle trucks are making regular rounds.
FP Innovations continues to work closely with transportation ministries across Canada in the continued development of safe and more efficient heavy vehicles.
This includes the implementation of ten-axle log truck B-trains in Alberta, capable of safely hauling up to 88 tonnes in the winter months, according to the company.
For Tom Hoffman, manager of external and stakeholder relations for Tolko Industries, this has been a long road in the making.
"It's been 3 1/2 years" said Hoffman as he outlined the benefits of nine-axle log trucks including a reduction in transportation costs by eight per cent, equaling an estimated $34 million per year for the B.C. forest sector.
Because of increased loads, there would also be fewer trips to and from mills making for less trucks on the roads. Driver shortages would be alleviated and less fuel per unit of payload would equal to reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the long run.
And as for roads, the impact would be far less, according to Pederson.
"There are more tires but lower impact on the pavement. The weight is distributed more evenly," Pederson said.
Because of the increase in load limits, special reviews would be put in place and the province must approve specific routes before nine-axle trucks are allowed on city streets.
"It's a step farther," said Hoffman.
"We want to increase the level of trust with our long haulers through the support of mayor and council and members of the public."
City council will be reviewing more details in a future report regarding possibilities of nine-axle trucks allowed within city limits.
