Freight companies urge Congress to allow heavier trucks on U.S. Interstates

Many trucking companies are urging Congress to pass a bill that will allow states to increase the federal weight limit on interstate highways for commerical trucks to 97,000 pounds, Fleet Owner Magazine reports.

The Coalition for Transportation Productivity (CTP) officials told the news source these new measures will help make the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act into law. The proposal gives each state the option to raise its interstate weight limit up to 97,000 pounds.

"We are getting greater momentum behind this legislation, from both a safety and fuel-saving perspective," John Runyan, executive director of the CTP, told the news source. "What we are saying is that the challenge to putting safer yet more productive vehicles on our roadways is one created by policy, not by technology."

Recent studies have shown that allowing heavier trucks on interstates may decrease the overall number of trucks required to haul freight, which could reduce fuel costs and improve trucking safety.

Companies can enroll their operators into online truck driving regulation training to help them meet new CSA 2010 compliance standards.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, nearly 20 percent of trucks were rendered out-of-service after roadside safety inspections in 2010.

By Andie Martin

Freight companies urge Congress to allow heavier trucks on U.S. Interstates

Monday, March 7th, 2011