Bill suspends weight limits to help truckers cope with fuel prices

The Associated Press

1/16/2008

AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine lawmakers are moving quickly on a bill to make it easier for truckers and loggers to cope with high fuel costs by suspending gross weight limits.

Governor Baldacci's bill was rushed through preliminary votes yesterday and now awaits final House and Senate approval.

It would allow a 5 percent increase in the weight forest products loggers and truckers can haul on Maine highways so they can consolidate loads and save fuel costs.

The forest products industry has been hit especially hard by rising fuel prices.

State law sets a weight limit of 100,000 pounds for six-axle tractor-trailers using Maine roads and bridges. The bill would increase that to 105,000 pounds until April 1st.