New state bills help clarify trucking regulations

Truck drivers in Illinois are breathing a little easier after the state government signed new legislation that will positively benefit those in the trucking industry.

Pat Quinn, governor of Illinois, signed these new laws this month with the support of Senator John Sullivan and Representative Daniel Beiser.

The first new rule will allow for an additional 400 pounds of freight to be hauled by a single vehicle, bringing the total to 80,400 pounds. This is only permitted if the truck is outfitted with an auxiliary power unit. State officials say this regulation will decrease pollutants and emissions by big rigs in the future.

Effective January 1st of next year, the second law requires trucks to remove excess weight if they are registered to carry a certain lower amount. Added to this regulation are specifications about clearance lamps on all commercial vehicles.

Governor Quinn says he hopes the new laws will simplify the boundaries of the trucking business and will help the state's economy overall.

"This law creates common sense rules, eliminates confusing language, and enhances productivity in the trucking industry and benefits the environment," he said.

New state bills help clarify trucking regulations

Thursday, July 28th, 2011