# What’s Changing in Nova Scotia? Truckers Could Be the Big Winners.

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

## Introduction

If you haul loads in or out of the Maritimes—or you’re thinking of expanding your lanes—you’ll want to pay attention to what’s going down in Nova Scotia. The provincial government plans to scrap a longtime rule known as the “80/20 rule” for highway and road‑work contracts.
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This change could “favour” truckers in unconventional ways. Yes, there are risks. Yes, there’s push‑back. But if you’re smart, you could be positioned to benefit.

## Key Points
### What exactly is the 80/20 rule?

The rule mandated that for certain provincial highway capital contracts, 80% of trucking services had to be supplied by local Nova Scotia operators (members of the Truckers Association of Nova Scotia) and only 20% by the contractor’s own trucks or non‑local units.
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It’s been around since the early 1990s and was designed as a protection mechanism for small and mid‑sized local fleets.
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Starting in 2026, the province will phase out the rule and shift to a “market‑based” model for awarding trucking services on road contracts.
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### Why it’s a game‑changer for Truckers

Greater access: With the local exclusive quota lifted, non‑traditional carriers can bid… which means more competition, but also more volume possibilities.

Rate negotiation possibility: If you’re a carrier positioned to service contracts with efficiency and reliability, this change means your value could rise above just “local guy gets job.”

Expansion chances: If you’re thinking of crossing into Nova Scotia or entering the Atlantic market, the barrier of being strictly “local” lifts—opening doors.

Risk shifts: On the flip side, local carriers who counted on the 80% guarantee suddenly face tougher competition and must sharpen cost controls and service delivery.

## Multiple Perspectives

Local carrier view: The association’s president, Doug Faulkner, says many local fleets worry the change could “allow large contractors and out‑of‑province companies to dominate bids.”
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Government view: The province claims the policy is outdated and violates trade agreements. They say they’ll “create more opportunities” under the market model and honour existing contracts through 2025.
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Driver/owner‑operator view: Some see opportunity. Others fear unfair rate pressure. Either way, the playing field changes and you’ll want to be prepped.

Industry stability view: Critics warn that rates will get driven down, maintenance could suffer, and safety may take a hit if competition goes unchecked.
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## What This Means for You (and What You Should Do)

Audit your positioning: If you’re already working in Nova Scotia or entering it, highlight your efficiency, safety, local expertise, responsiveness. These become your differentiators.

Rate strategy matters: Don’t assume rates will hold—they could go either way. If you’re efficient and know your numbers, you might command better deals. If you’re average, you could get squeezed.

Expand or protect: For non‑local carriers or those outside the Maritimes looking for growth—this change is a green flag. Start building contacts, understand the procurement process. For local carriers: double down on service, cost control, reliability.

Monitor safety and compliance: With increased competition, the risk of undercutting is real. Staying ahead in maintenance, driver compliance, safety records could become a differentiator—not just a checkbox.

Stay informed: Contracts, procurement rules, bid deadlines—this change opens up new rules. Subscribe to local trucking association updates, check public‑works announcements, know when bidding starts under the new model.

## Bottom Line
The removal of the 80/20 rule in Nova Scotia isn’t a guarantee of good or bad—it’s a power shift. For some truckers, it’s a fresh lane. For others, it’s a warning sign.
If you call yourself a trucker with ambition, an owner‑operator, or a small fleet manager—you must get ahead of this change. Don’t wait till you’re reacting to others capturing that volume.
Your move? Position yourself now. Be reliable. Be cost‑conscious. Be ready to win when the market opens up.

Call to Action:
Want to use this moment to boost your trucking income and build up smarter off‑road revenue? Visit offdutymoney.com
to learn how truckers are leveraging policy shifts like this and building income streams while still on the road.