Truckers and Other Organizations Oppose Size and Weight Increases

OOIDA sends letter to all members Congress asking them to oppose legislative language that increases maximum truck size or weight

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association cosigned a letter today along with a coalition of organizations opposed to increasing size and weight restrictions for commercial motor vehicles. The letter was sent to all members Congress, asking them to oppose legislative language that would increase maximum truck size or weight limits on federal highways.

“Heavier trucks put additional stress on our already deteriorating highways and bridges as well as endanger highway users,” said Todd Spencer, OOIDA President. “We think proposals to increase sizes and weights should be rejected, as has been done over and over by both lawmakers and policymakers in the past.”

The letter, which was signed by 14 organizations, points out that increasing size and weight limits on federal highways would have negative consequences for state and local roads that are less capable of handling longer and heavier trucks. OOIDA agrees that letting that happen would put even more pressure on state and local governments to find funds to maintain and repair those routes.

“And, it’s likely trucks would be disproportionately targeted to generate the additional revenue,” added Spencer.

OOIDA has long opposed efforts to increase size and weight limits for commercial trucks and suggests that proponents consider alternatives that do not hasten deterioration of roads and bridges or jeopardize highway safety.  

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is the largest national trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers.

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