• 23
  • May
    2011

A bill has been proposed that, if passed, would allow states to increase large trucks' maximum weight limit from the current limit of 80,000 lbs to 97,000 lbs. The trucking industry is divided over the controversial bill, which would increase productivity but decrease highway safety and stiffen competition between trucking companies.

The bill, sponsored by Congressman Mike Michaud, D-Maine, would require truckers who opt to haul the heavier loads to install an extra axle and extra braking mechanism to their rig.

The proposed heavier limit is the norm in Canada, Mexico and Europe.

A competing bill, sponsored by Senator Frank Lautenber, D-New Jersey, would keep weight limits as is.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is opposed to the bill on the basis that the heavier trucks could cause an increased amount of damage to Missouri highways. The MoDOT has said that they will only support the bill if the federal government also allots extra funds for states for road maintenance.

Many smaller trucking companies oppose the bill because they will not be able to afford the retrofitting of trucks with the required extra axle, an estimated cost of over $5,000 per vehicle. The small companies are afraid they won't be able to compete with larger companies if they are able to haul more freight.

Consumer safety groups are concerned that the bill would increase trucking accidents and fatalities on the highways. Though supporters of the bill will cite the recent drop in nationwide truck related fatalities (down to 3,200 in 2009 from 5,200 in 2005), many are against the bill for safety reasons.

Tom Crawford, president of the Missouri Truckers Association, claims the industry has thought of the potential risks of heavier loads and has tested the braking efficiency of the trucks with the extra axle and heavier load.

"It actually results in a safer stopping distance," claims Crawford.

According to the MoDOT's 2009 Accident Statistics Report there were a total of 3,698 crashes involving large trucks in Missouri. These crashes resulted in 45 fatalities and 1,072 injuries.