Ag Groups Back Truck Weight Increase Amendment
November 3rd, 2015
CTP Supports the Safe, Flexible & Efficient (SAFE) Trucking Act (H.R. 3488) – federal legislation giving states the option to allow more productive trucks equipped with six axles on Interstate highways.
The U.S. DOT estimates that the SAFE Trucking Act configuration would result in a decline in fuel use, carbon dioxide emissions and emissions of nitrogen oxide.
By lowering axle weight limits, the SAFE Trucking Act would reduce pavement costs by as much as 4.2 percent, according to the U.S. DOT.
The SAFE Trucking Act will allow American producers to reduce the number of shipments needed to deliver a fixed amount of goods—making them more productive and competitive.
Since the U.K. similarly raised its weight limit for six-axle vehicles in 2001, fatal truck-related accidents have declined by 35%. Properly designed heavier trucks can be used safely in the U.S.