Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wisconsin) has proposed a bill to allow states to increase the maximum allowed weight limits of semi trucks from 80,000 pounds to 91,000 pounds in order to meet increased demands for freight transportation.
Ribble says that an increased maximum weight limit would reduce traffic congestion on busy roads by requiring less trucks to move the same amount of freight.
“When we can increase efficiency, decrease traffic, and make everyone safer in the process, that is a win, and the SAFE Trucking Act is able to help us achieve all these objectives.” he said.
According to TheHill.com, trucks that haul more than 80,000 pounds will be required to have a sixth axle in order to distribute the extra weight evenly and maintain the same level of pavement wear as current trucks.
The proposed bill is not without opposition however. The Association of American Railroads says that allowing trucks to haul more freight would divert freight from railroad trains to larger trucks, causing even more road damage and traffic congestion.
Under the bill, individual states would be able to decide whether to maintain the current weight limits or allow carriers to use the increased limits.