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Increased truck capacity provides benefits

As Congress prepares to reauthorize the Surface Transportation Bill, (also known as the Highway Bill), the Soy Transportation Coalition is urging Congress to include increased truck capacity.

STC executive director Mike Steenhoek, says a recent study looked at the impact of increasing truck weight limits on federal roads and bridges from the current 80,000 pounds with a five axle configuration to 97,000 pounds with the addition of a sixth axle.  “The research shows, if you did that, it would actually have a positive impact on infrastructure wear and tear,” he says.  “The additional axle displaces weight so the imprint on the road is less.”

And, he tells Brownfield, it would also increase motorist safety. “Motorist safety is much more a function of the number of semis, less a function of the weight of the individual semi,” he says.  “When you have an approach that is going to result in a decreased amount of semis on the road.  That’s going to have a positive impact on safety.”

In addition, the ability to transport more commodities per vehicle, Steenhoek says, allows for increased efficiency and cost savings.

Congress has until May 31 to reauthorize the 2015 Highway Bill.