The state of Maine has proposed a one-year pilot program, increasing its Interstate highway system’s weight limit from 80,000 pounds to 100,000 pounds. Finally, its truck weight restrictions are in line with Eastern Canada. The Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce (APCC) applauded the move, citing improved efficiency and reduced costs for moving goods across the border. Truck weight limits have been challenged recently, as many cite the need to increase them for environmental and trade purposes. Maine legislators are among the groups that want to raise the six-axle truck weight limit to 100,000 pounds.

KENTVILLE, N.S. — Atlantic Truckers and local businesses are applauding the State of Maine’s decision to standardize truck weight restrictions with Eastern Canada.

After years of advocating for harmonized rules, the Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce (APCC) says it’s delighted Maine has proposed a one-year pilot program exempting Maine’s Interstate highway system from the current federal 80,000 pound load limit to 100,000 pounds.

“For Atlantic Canada and the eastern United States, it would facilitate trade between the two regions and reduce the cost of moving goods across the border,” said Bill Denyar, APCC’s president and CEO, in a press release.

Trucks coming from Canada can carry full weight without offloading on the American side to meet restrictions, or diverting to more rural roads where heavier loads are permitted.

In a recent release, Maine governor John E. Baldacci stated he and the Maine Congressional delegation are strong supporters of changing federal law to raise the six-axle truck weight limit to 100,000 pounds.

[source - todaystrucking.com]