Groups such as the American Trucking Association have supported the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009 resulting in safer highways, cleaner air and less costly freight transportation. The bill authorizes states to allow the operation of trucks on the Interstate Highway System with a gross weight of 97,000 pounds. Current law limits the weight of 5-axle trucks traveling on the Interstate System to 80,000 pounds.
The legislation requires that trucks operating above 80,000 pounds must add a sixth axle to compensate for the extra weight. The extra axle adds two more brakes, preventing an increase in stopping distances, and avoids additional pavement damage.
Most importantly, the operation of this new, more efficient vehicle will allow trucking companies to deliver the nation’s freight while making fewer trips. The result will be a reduction in the number of truck-involved crashes, less fuel use — and thus reduced emissions and carbon — and less congestion on our crowded highways. Fewer miles traveled also means less pavement damage, lowering highway maintenance costs.
The bill requires states to report safety and infrastructure cost impacts to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, who is authorized to discontinue operations in a state if safety problems are detected.
(Source) Press
Tags: Act, axle, carbon, damage, environment, fuel, infrastructure, maintenance, Transportation