Proposal for Higher Weight Limits Gains Momentum

Posted 14 years ago

Legislation for raising tractor-trailer weight continues to gain momentum as the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act (SETA) was reintroduced to the US Senate.  The proposal would give states the option to increase tractor-trailer weight to 97,000 lbs for six axle combinations instead of five.  The current limit is 80,000 lbs. 
 
"In the face of a host of costly regulatory initiatives that are raising the cost of transportation to trucking companies and shippers alike, giving the states an opportunity to raise weight limits will help them boost the productivity of their operations", John Runyan, executive director of CTP told Fleet Owner.  An example of the regulatory initiative is the so-called regulatory drags mandating electronic onboard recorders, the new Compliance Safety Accountability program, and the impending revision of hours of service.

SETA particulars are expected to be included into the 6th year surface transportation funding bill currently being worked on.