How Increased Truck Weights Could Change the Future of Fleet
U.S. federal law currently allows trucks to weigh up to 80,000 pounds, but raising this limit has been proposed to increase productivity. This topic is relevant now as policies are under review, and there is pressure from both sides of the argument.
The Proposed Increases in Truck Weights
The maximum truck weight is proposed to increase from 80,000 to 91,000 pounds, and individual states can opt in. The SHIP Act -- H.R.
3372 -- states that this would mean more productive trucks, not longer or taller ones. The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has even proposed allowing certain 6-axle articulated lorries to increase loads from 44 to 48 tonnes. There is a significant divide in the trucking industry over these proposed changes.
Proponents believe they can increase efficiency and reduce emissions, and opponents worry they would result in costly infrastructure wear and tear.
Advantages of Raising The Weight Limit
The weight limit increase was proposed to allow the trucks to work more efficiently. If each can haul more goods, then fewer would be necessary to complete a shipment. This concept is a priority in many industries.
For example, downtime in construction can cost up to £760 per vehicle in lost revenue. The change also has the potential for reduced emissions per tonne-kilometre. A case study of UK trucking companies from 2012 found that increasing the permitted weight could decrease total carbon emissions by 10% and transportation costs by 12%.
With the additional weight, safety measures would be vital. The trucks would have a second set of brakes to allow for shorter stops, along with a new sixth axle to better distribute the weight.
Consequences for Raising The Weight Limit
Damage to bridges and roads is a major concern. The infrastructure must be stronger to support the trucks' increased weight, which is problematic for older roadways or those in underfunded areas.
A study showed one in five bridges across the nation would need to be strengthened or replaced to support the heavier weights -- an endeavor that would require funds, labor and materials. Taxpayers would likely handle the costs. Increasing the weight could create problems for trucking companies and drivers.
New licenses and inspections would be necessary to meet compliance regulations, and drivers would require additional training to operate heavier trucks safely. Otherwise, there could be an increased risk of accidents on the road. The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association opposes increasing the weight limit on trucks, most notably because of its impact on the supply chain.
Trucks' proposed ability to haul more freight would give them an advantage over trains, and diverting potentially 2.6 million railroad carloads to truck fleets annually would force smaller railroads out of business.
Practical Steps for Preparing Your Fleet
No matter which side of the debate you support, there are ways to manage your fleet efficiently now and in the future. Here are some tips:
- Follow a comprehensive maintenance schedule to keep your fleet in optimal condition, avoiding delays and breakdowns, which can save money and reputation. If there are too many aspects to handle, outsourcing can streamline your monitoring.
- Train drivers extensively and monitor their driving habits for safety.
- Formulate optimal routes by taking road quality, distances and speed limits into consideration to deliver goods efficiently.
- Comply with local, state, and federal regulations and policies to keep your fleet well-maintained and avoid legal complications.
The Road Ahead for Fleets
The debate over whether to raise truck weights considers factors such as costs, safety, productivity and emissions.
Fleet managers in the U.S. and U.K. should engage with policymakers and industry groups to have their voices heard.