Tractor-Trailer Weight Limits: Don’t Overburden Our Roads

By Neil T. O’Donnell and Connor Graham

Congress has begun its semi-annual discussion of increasing the weight limits of tractor-trailers.

The trucking industry has a lot of weight to throw around in lobbying. Driving/sales work is far and away the number one occupation for young U.S. men without a college degree. Big business utilizes its position as one of the largest industries to push for reforms that benefit profitability.

The Proposed Increase

A weight increase, the industry purports, would boost productivity and allow for fewer trucks on the road.

But the recent proposed increase — from 80,000 pounds to 91,000 pounds — comes with even heavier costs. Trucking accounts for a comparatively higher percentage of mileage-related costs, including pavement damage, congestion, and noise, primarily due to the vehicle weight and the associated precautions to support that weight.

One would think a roughly 12% increase in weight capacity would be further detrimental to public highways.

Would Heavier Trucks Really Mean Fewer Trucks?

It’s also dubious that a weight increase would lead to fewer trucks on the road.

Much like why increasing the number of lanes does not eliminate traffic, an increase in storage capacity may cause businesses to take more product throughout the year for transport. A change in capacity would prompt a change in behavior to match.

The change may prompt trucking companies to take on more goods for travel.

The Employment Impact

Lastly, it is doubtful that trucking unions would accept such a shake-up in employment. Should the weight increases lead to fewer trucks, then it stands to reason that fewer workers would be needed to man the trucks.

If that were to happen, the government would have to contend with the noticeable loss of employment opportunities for high-school educated men.

Pennsylvania Roads Are Burdened Enough

A survey conducted by the Coalition of Bigger Trucks found that 77% of respondents in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District opposed a weight-limit increase for tractor-trailers.

Further, 88% were concerned with deteriorating highway conditions associated with heavier vehicles.

Pennsylvania’s roads are burdened enough, and the people understand this.

Let’s not make our highway situation worse.