US May Allow Bigger, Longer Trucks On Nation's Interstates
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - A proposal to allow bigger trucks on interstate highways is gaining legs again in Washington, DC.
The question is whether a proposal to increase the maximum truck load allowed on interstate highways to 97,000 pounds (from the current 80,000 pounds) will be included in a federal transportation funding bill.
Supporters say it will actually improve safety because it will mean fewer loads will be required to move freight by truck.
But Jim Lardear, of AAA Midatlantic, thinks it might not work out that way if the change is implemented.
"The costs for moving goods would necessarily benefit the truckers, so that more goods and services would probably go over truck drivers versus rail and other forms of transit," he says. "So I think it would actually increase the number of trucks on the road."
In addition to safety concerns, AAA is also concerned about the impact of significantly bigger trucks on the nation's already battered roads and bridges.
Reported by KYW Harrisburg Bureau chief Tony Romeo
