Transportation Bill to Address Truck Weight Limits

Posted 13 years ago

The controversial issue of tractor-trailer weight is part of a transportation bill that the House Republicans unveiled on Tuesday.  It would allow the maximum weight of trucks to  increase from 80,000 lbs to 97,000 lbs and their length to extend by five feet. Proponents say the increased weight will save on fuel costs while opponents argue that safety and infrastructure wil be compromised.
 
Under US law, tractor- trailer weight is limited to a maximum of 80,000 lbs on interstate highways.  Maine and Vermont are exceptions under a pilot program that allows for 97,000 lbs trucks.  According to John Runyan, executive director of CTP (Coalition for Transportation Productivity), states can already set higher weight limits for secondary roads and forty-four (44) do.  In addition, twenty-eight (28) states are letting a number of heavier trucks with permits rumble on interstates for shipping containers loaded from ports or for certain essential commodities.   

Companies including Kraft and Home Depot say 97,000 lbs trucks are needed to offset higher diesel fuel prices.  Kraft claims its trucks would drive 33 million fewer miles a year with higher weight limits nationwide.  Safety advocates question not only safety but whether bridges can withstand the added stress.  The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that 25% of US bridges would not be strong enough.  The US is spending about $10.5 billion/year to maintain bridges, and $17 billion is needed to keep up with the ongoing damage.

The five-year, $260-billion surface transportation bill was introduced by House Transportation Committee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla).