Mass. Congressman introduces bill to freeze truck size and weight

H.R. 1618 would not only limit bigger trucks from the Interstate Highway System’s 46,000 miles, but would extend those limits to other roads and highways. It also would prohibit a state from enacting any new laws allowing truck trailers longer than 53 feet.

The Trucker Staff

3/26/2009

Congressman James McGovern, D-Mass., has introduced legislation to freeze the size and weight of trucks on 161,000 miles of the nation’s roads.

H.R. 1618 would not only limit bigger trucks from the Interstate Highway System’s 46,000 miles, but would extend those limits to other roads and highways. It also would prohibit a state from enacting any new laws allowing truck trailers longer than 53 feet.

The Associated of American Railroads endorsed the measure, saying it “supports efforts to freeze the size and weight of trucks that don’t even come close to covering the damage they inflict on our nation’s roads.”

In response, the American Trucking Associations said that “More productive trucks [higher maximum weights, doubles, triples] reduce fuel consumption, increase fuel economy, lower consumer costs and decrease carbon output.

Further, the ATA stated, 97,000 trucks are safely used extensively in Canada and Europe and a study of their use in Canada showed that they “are better for the environment.”

The Trucker staff may be reached for comment on this article at editor@thetrucker.com.