Coalition wants to correct ‘misinformation’ on truck weight increase
“The Safe and Efficient Transportation Act, or SETA, has been the subject of a deliberate misinformation campaign, and it’s time to set the record straight,” said John Runyan, executive director of the coalition. “Members of Congress need to know that the facts support SETA as a safe way to boost economic productivity while reducing our carbon footprint and the number of trucks necessary to meet demand.”
The Trucker News Services
7/18/2011
WASHINGTON — The Coalition for Transportation Productivity (CTP), a group of more than 180 shippers and allied associations in favor of increasing federal vehicle weight limits on interstate highways, today sent a letter to Congress in order to confront what they call “misinformation” surrounding federal truck weight legislation known as the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act (SETA), H.R. 763, S. 747.
In the letter, CTP stated that incorrect allegations had been made about SETA that have been propagated by groups opposed to the legislation.
“The Safe and Efficient Transportation Act, or SETA, has been the subject of a deliberate misinformation campaign, and it’s time to set the record straight,” said John Runyan, executive director of the coalition. “Members of Congress need to know that the facts support SETA as a safe way to boost economic productivity while reducing our carbon footprint and the number of trucks necessary to meet demand.”
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“Trucking is at its safest point since the U.S. DOT began keeping records in 1975, and we need to continue that positive trend,” continued Runyan. “In order to drive and accommodate economic growth, we can either put more trucks on the road or allow them to safely carry more weight. SETA offers each state the ability to open portions of its interstate network to safer six-axle trucks that can ship more freight while meeting the same federal braking and handling standards. Six-axle trucks can help companies lower their accident rates and dramatically reduce their fuel use and carbon emissions.”
To read the full CTP letter, visit: http://transportationproductivity.org/Media/CTP_LettertoCongress_71811.pdf.
The Safe and Efficient Transportation Act (SETA) was introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Jean Schmidt (R-OH) and Michael Michaud (D-ME) as H.R. 763. Identical companion legislation, S. 747, was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio).
The U.S. federal weight limit has been set at 80,000 pounds since 1982. Many shippers meet the limit with space left in their trailers and must use more truckloads, fuel and emissions, stated the coalition. “SETA gives each state the option to set interstate weight limits of up to 97,000 pounds, but the higher weight limit would only apply to trucks equipped with six axles instead of the typical five. Without making the truck any larger, the additional axle maintains safety specifications — including stopping and handling capabilities and current weight per tire.”
The Coalition for Transportation Productivity (CTP) is a coalition of more than 180 shippers and allied associations. For more information, visit www.transportationproductivity.org.
The Trucker staff may be contacted to comment at editor@thetrucker.com.
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