More truck, more responsibility.

It's called the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009 or HR 1779. Introduced by Rep. Michael Michaud (D-Maine) and referred to a House Sub-Committee with 12 sponsors and supported by the American Trucking Association (ATA) and National Private Truck Council (NPTC). This newest turn in moving freight adopts the adage that more is better. What do they mean by this? The bill is attempting to increase the size/weight limits of trucks on the National Highway System (NHS). Current limits for weight are 80,000lbs MGVW (Max Gross Vehicle Weight) on primary NHS roadways (national standard) and up to 90,000lbs on secondary NHS roads (state laws permitting). The size limits are 53' single trailers, with some 57 footers being allowed along border routes. Double trailers, each usually 28' in length, are the current standard on most interstates with with triple 28' and double 53' trailers (photo) allowed on turnpikes and some mid-western and plains states highways. The new legislation would allow a MGVW of 97,000lbs with a minimum of 6 axles and double 53' trailer combination's on most interstate highways in the NHS. That's right BIGGER, actually heavier and longer, trucks could become the norm on the highways we share.

As a 15 year truck driver, I believe this is ridiculous. Not that I don't have the confidence in my brethren truckers to handle the heavier longer trucks, it is more how the general motoring public in autos will react to this and how will they act around these larger combination's. It is already an on-going issue educating "four wheelers" how to safely share the road with the trucks we currently use.

In Australia, they have truck/trailer combos appropriately named, Road Trains. (photo) They do share roads with other travelers, however, they are limited to
the outback highways across the vast expanse of the "down under." Road Train drivers are expertly trained and closely scrutinized by Australian authorities, for hours of service and maintenance.
In the US, we do not have as many open road highways as Australia, to operate such combination's but we do have some very open interstates that these newly proposed limits would be more appropriately operated. These highways are in sparsely populated areas where traffic is significantly reduced, therefore, creating a safer environment for these trucks. As a driver, I know that moving more freight in one shipment is a good solution for the industry, however, I also know that there is no freight worth risking any lives for.

HR 1779 sites reduced emissions, fewer trips for trucks, and a decrease in fuel consumption. An NPTC funded study suggest significant improvements in fuel consumption, cost, congestion, distribution efficiency, and driver availability supporting the legislation's claims. Scott Kress, a Senior VP at Volvo Trucks North America, says "The United States faces a huge gap between the amount of freight to be hauled and what can be hauled given current constraints, and longer combination vehicles would help this challenge." He also says that "infrastructure improvements would be needed, but would be modest compared to what would otherwise be needed."

This all raises questions of highway safety. As the trucking industry struggles to keep a clean safety record and improve the image of drivers, such changes in size and weight limits, will strengthen the fight against them. Already news of HR 1779 has triggered the safety advocates response with a web site StopBiggerTrucks.org and more opposition should be expected. Drivers are still out the proposal awaiting first an improvement in the economy and then the hopeful return of more freight. Current freight levels are significantly lower than this time last year and drivers are noting way fewer trucks on the highways. The decrease in freight does not support the need for bigger truck loads at this moment, but the industry's optimism is greatly accepted by many drivers.

If you support this or not, it should be noted, that most industry people themselves still have reservations about its implementation and success. As for the safety aspects, if properly trained professionals are given the task and the consideration of traffic volume is used in determining where these longer, heavier trucks may be used to improve freight movements, then safety should take care of itself. I still recommend that every auto (four wheeler) operator gain some general knowledge about operating safely around large vehicles. Knowing the risk lessens your chances of becoming involved in a incident with a big truck. you can start by visiting our website trucking101.biz.

Thanks for visiting our blog today and remember if you got it, a truck brought it!