The debate for increased truck size continues

The Coalition for Transportation Productivity has been researching the benefits of increased trucking weights for around three years, and believes it would allow companies to take a number of trucks off the road, reported the Omaha World Herald.

"We've got some real challenges, with most competitors already at heavier weights," John Runyan, executive director of the CTP, told the paper. "It's hobbling our own industry as a result."

In its research, the coalition has found that trucks would not be harmed due to the increased weights, and they would have roughly the same handling and braking capacity, which was echoed by research from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Transportation Research Board, said the source. 

The main concern of critics is trucker health, with many having worries about more accidents due to increased weights trucks are carrying, said the newspaper.

Many share the sentiments of those concerned with the safety of heavier trucks, according to KY3, a news source covering Springfield, Missouri.

H.E. Whitener, CEO of the Trailiner Corporation, told the source he'll never believe heavier trucks are just as safe as those carrying less weight. The more weight behind brakes makes it harder for trucks to stop safely, Whitener said.

The debate for increased truck size continues

Friday, February 10th, 2012