House Transportation Committee to Consider Trucking Weight Limits in Highway Bill

A surface transportation funding reauthorization bill is scheduled for markup in the House Transportation Committee this week. The legislation covers roads, bridges, transit, rail, and ports across the United States. Federal rules set in 1982 limit the amount semitrucks can carry.

These limits have not been updated to reflect current vehicle and pavement technology. The proposal would allow six-axle trucks to carry heavier loads than the current five-axle standard. A Department of Transportation study found that six-axle trucks stop over a shorter distance and reduce long-term pavement costs by 2% to 4%.

Current rules require trucks to operate with significant unused capacity when hauling consumer goods and groceries. This increases the number of trucks needed to move the same volume of freight. The change would not increase truck length, height, or width. Trucks would still need to meet federal weight distribution requirements.

Higher numbers of trucks on the road increase fuel use and operating costs that are passed to consumers. The proposal would reduce the total number of trucks required for the same freight volume. Federal data show runaway trucks account for less than 1% of truck crashes each year.

Officials have stated that fewer trucks would further lower that rate. The markup is expected to address safety and infrastructure concerns before any final vote.