TCA revises truck weight policy to 88,000 GVW from 80,000
Monday, TCA presented its new policy to the American Trucking Associations Highway Policy Committee, which was meeting in conjunction with the ATA Management Conference and Exhibition under way here. ATA supports a weight limit of 97,000 pounds on six axles and TCA is hoping for a compromise.
By LYNDON FINNEY
The Trucker Staff
10/19/2010
PHOENIX — The Truckload Carriers Association has revised its truck size and weight policy, which now calls for an 88,000-pound gross vehicle weight instead of the 80,000 pounds that had long been the organization’s policy.
The new weight limit received full TCA board approval Saturday.
TCA President Chris Burruss said Tuesday that the process of changing the policy began last March at the group’s annual meeting when the Highway Policy Committee appointed a subcommittee to study the weight options on existing five-axle combinations.
“Part of that discussion was brought about by the recognition that at some point in time as congestion continues to worsen and as the driver situation continues to worsen, we’re going to have to start looking at gaining productivity on existing equipment,” Burruss told The Trucker. “One of the major concerns of truckload carriers is the idea of going to 97,000 pounds on six axles and the expense involved. You’re either going to have to retrofit existing equipment or buy new equipment in order to do.”
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The subcommittee recommended the 88,000-pound limit to the full committee, which in turn took the recommendation to the full board, which unanimously approved the recommendation.
Monday, TCA presented its new policy to the American Trucking Associations Highway Policy Committee, which was meeting in conjunction with the ATA Management Conference and Exhibition under way here. ATA supports a weight limit of 97,000 pounds on six axles and TCA is hoping for a compromise.
ATA continues to support the 97,000-pound, six-axle proposal, spokesman Brandon Borgna told The Trucker late Tuesday, adding that the two associations would continue discussions on the issue.
“We’ve asked them to work with us looking at the bridge formula to find out at 88,000 pounds on five axles what if anything would be needed to be done to the bridge formula,” Burruss said. “Our ultimate intent is to seek ATA’s support in changing their policy to 88,000 pounds on five axles as opposed to the existing one.”
“From the van community, whether it be dry van or refrigerated and probably a lot of tank operations, the idea of 97,000 pounds and six axles is a turnoff for the truckload carriers,” Burruss said. “If our goal is to move off 80,000 pounds in anticipation of having to do more with existing equipment, then it makes no sense to try to push and promote a position that arguably the largest segment it would impact — the truckload community — doesn’t support. What we’ve said as an organization is we believe we can support 88,000 pounds and would like to see ATA do that as well.”
Lyndon Finney of The Trucker staff may be contacted to comment at editor@thetrucker.com.