Feds: Boston plans to reroute trucks illegal

Truckers claim by forcing vehicles with cargo including asphalt and fuels to make long loops around the city, Boston was costing them fuel and productivity.

The Associated Press

11/16/2009

BOSTON — Federal transportation officials say Boston's efforts to stop trucks carrying potentially dangerous cargo from driving through the city during certain hours is illegal.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued the ruling after a challenge by the American Trucking Associations and a request for determination by the state Highway Department.

The federal agency said only it, through the state, can approve hazardous materials routes and was never consulted.

Truckers claim by forcing vehicles with cargo including asphalt and fuels to make long loops around the city, Boston was costing them fuel and productivity.

A city lawyer tells The Boston Globe the decisions were made based on safety considerations.

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