TRUCKLOAD CARRIERS ASSOCIATION
Operational efficiency, industry awareness, public policy, recruitment and retention - common issues for an uncommon industry. The challenges faced by truckload demand solutions developed from a unique perspective...yours. TCA makes that happen.
Size and Weight
Regulatory Policy Committee Chairman
Troy Robertson Con-way Truckload The performance of the nation's economy in increasingly competitive international markets depends in large measure upon an effective and efficient transportation system. To achieve efficiency, the trucking industry must be able to operate its most productive equipment to serve the facilities of shippers and receivers throughout the nation. As the nation's premier mover of freight, the American trucking industry has long recommended reasonable size and weight standards consistent with highway capability and the need for efficient, intelligent, and productive use of our country's vital resources. It is essential that all vehicle types approved by the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 and longer vehicles grandfathered or subsequently approved be permitted to operate on a system of Highways of National Significance. In order to achieve necessary productivity, the trucking industry must be allowed access to the points of loading and unloading from the system of Highways of National Significance. States, counties, and cities cannot be allowed to thwart national productivity through ordinances or regulations restricting or banning trucks without evidence of specific safety problems. TCA supports an increase in allowable GVW from 80,000 lbs to 88,000 lbs on any existing 5-axle tractor trailer combination, as well as an increase in allowable GVW from 80,000 lbs. to 97,000 lbs. with the addition of a 6th axle. TCA supports allowing states to permit longer combination vehicles. Such operations should be allowed under divisible load permits which specify adequate driver, vehicle, and highway controls. Longer combination vehicle gross weight should be limited by the federal bridge formula or a modified bridge formula subsequently adopted. TCA supports standardizing 53-foot trailer length. While national trailer uniformity is federally protected for 48’ trailers, 53’ trailers have become the industry standard. Federal law should be brought up to modern standards to ensure the continued protection of the flow of interstate commerce by changing minimum trailer length limits to 53’. In addition, TCA supports capping trailer length at 53’ except in states where longer trailers are currently allowed. Amended March 8, 2009 |
