The Issue

Currently, commercial trucks are limited to a gross weight of 80,000 pounds on 5 axels when operating on U.S highways. Some individual states allow longer combinations of in selected areas, but still limit weight to 80,000 pounds. The American Trucking Associations (ATA), which mainly represents shippers of commodities such as paper, logging and steel, is pushing to increase the limit to 97,000 pounds on 6 axles in the next reauthorization of the federal highway bill. The ATA and large shippers are also preparing a campaign to allow longer combination vehicles, such as double or triple trailers, sometimes call “LCVs.”

Similar attempts in the past have been met with fierce public opposition. OOIDA has held a longstanding position against increasing truck sizes and weights not only because of the dangers posed, but also because it hastens the destruction of roads and bridges. State governments are already burdened with budgeting problems and face a tall challenge in determining how to pay for repairs and maintenance to their roads and bridges.

Relaxing restrictions on weights and sizes would have a tremendously negative impact on the level of safety and structural integrity of our nation’s highways, endanger all highway users and increase the cost of insurance required for trucking companies.

Proponents present an argument of improved efficiency and fuel savings. However, as an organization that represents individuals who drive trucks for a living, OOIDA believes any meaningful discussions of improving productivity in the shipping industry must include the aspect of loading and unloading times. Truckers spend between 30-40 hours per week waiting at docks for shippers and receivers to load or unload.

The Status

In April 2011, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-MA filed a bill that would preserve the size and weight of trucks on the highways. Bill HR1574, the Safe Highway and Infrastructure Preservation Act, or SHIPA. McGovern filed a similar bill with the same name two years ago. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-NJ, filed a comparable bill in the Senate and is anticipated to follow suit again.

The truck size and weight debate will continue to heat up as Congress gets closer to the next big highway bill.

Additional background:

Mike Michaud (D-Maine) introduced an opposing bill titled the “Safe Efficient Transportation Act” (H.R. 1799).  That legislation would allow for weight limits on the Interstate Highway System to be raised to 97,000 lbs. from the current 80,000 lbs. limit and would require an additional trailer axle for trucks hauling heavier loads.

In April 2009, 48 lawmakers in the House of Representatives introduced the “Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act” (H.R. 1618) or SHIPA Act, which will maintain current truck size and weight limitations on the Interstate Highway System as well as extend a freeze to current size and weight limitations on the larger federally funded National Highway System.  Senator Frank Lautenberg (NJ-D) introduced the same bill in the Senate (S.779).

In April 2009, OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer spoke at a press conference in the U.S. Capitol building with several lawmakers.  The press conference was intended to highlight significant opposition to raising truck size and weight limits on federal highways.

What we can do

Members and concerned citizens should contact their U.S. lawmakers to relay their concerns by faxing a short letter to their lawmakers, plus send a copy to OOIDA 816-427-4468. Letters outlining personal experiences with longer or heavier trucks and detailing safety concerns go a long way toward educating lawmakers.