The American Trucking Associations strongly supports the "Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009," (H.R. 1799) introduced by U.S. Reps. Michael Michaud (D-Maine) and Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio) in late March. The bill will allow states to authorize operation of more efficient commercial trucks, resulting in safer highways, cleaner air and less costly freight transportation, ATA says.
The legislation authorizes operation of trucks on the interstate highways 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 ATA says the extra axle adds two more brakes, preventing an increase in stopping distances, and avoids additional pavement damage.
Source: American Trucking Associations