The American Trucking Association is petitioning Congress to expand current restrictions on truck size and weight to allow the nation’s trucking industry more even footing to compete with other international markets. The use of longer, heavier trucks would also be a more productive, environmentally-friendly solution, according to a study cited by the ATA. The lobbying group also proposed its plan to increase truck size and weights, but those could vary by state or regions.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The American trucking industry is calling on its legislators to allow more productive truck weights, such as those enjoyed here in Canada, to improve productivity and reduce the industry’s environmental footprint.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) cited results from a multi-nation study that found the US lags behind its international counterparts in terms of truck productivity and sustainability.

The results of the study were discussed at a conference hosted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Discussions suggested current US truck size and weight restrictions prevent trucks from taking advantage of the full potential of US infrastructure.

It was widely felt that increasing truck size and weight standards to align more closely with other nations, including Canada, would improve truck productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon output.

“Existing restrictions on truck size and weight are unreasonably low and harm the US,” said Bill Graves, president and CEO of the ATA. “We must raise our standards to maximize the productivity of our transportation system if we’re to remain competitive in global markets.”

ATA has proposed a program to: allow six-axle vehicles to carry 97,000 lbs in certain states; allow states to permit 33-ft. trailer combinations; harmonize the use of LCVs in western states and expand their use where appropriate; and allow a 10% increase in auto hauler weights to account for today’s heavier vehicles.

[source - trucknews.com]