News

Patch | Hillsborough Joins Fight Opposing Bigger Trucks

“HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Mayor John Ciccarelli has joined 2,200 local leaders who signed a letter opposing proposals in Congress that would allow any increase in truck weight or length. The Coalition Against Bigger Trucks(CABT) represents local communities and Americans nationwide who are concerned about the transportation infrastructure Heavier single-trailer trucks or longer double-trailer trucks can cause additional wear and tear on local roads and “would make our current situation worse,” said Ciccarelli at the Sept. 26 Township Committee meeting.” Read…

My Journal-Courier, (Jacksonville) | Commentary: Groups warning against heavier rigs — Chris Woodward

“The Coalition Against Bigger Trucks organized a letter signed by county commissioners, city officials, public works directors and engineers urging lawmakers to keep the current federal cap of 80,000 pounds in place. Congress is weighing a Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill, and industry groups are lobbying for a pilot program to allow trucks up to 91,000 pounds on interstate highways.”….”County engineers are also warning about the long-term effects on infrastructure. Kevan Stone, executive director of the National Association of County Engineers, said…

The Hill | Red and blue states agree on something; they are united against bigger trucks

Few issues unite local leaders from states across the ideological spectrum like the prospect of massive trucks, much larger than typical highway tractor-trailers, rumbling down the roads and tearing up infrastructure. More than 2,200 local government officials like me — from all 50 states, from blue and red bastions and everything in between — joined together recently to let congressional lawmakers know they are dead set against proposals to allow such trucks. Under consideration as Congress debates the highway bill,…

Landline Media | Local communities unite against increase in truck size and weight

We already knew that the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Truckload Carriers Association and Advocates for Auto and Highway Safety oppose efforts to increase the maximum truck size and weight. Even more, about two dozen organizations, including the National Association of County Engineers, comprise the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks. But the opposition isn’t confined to national organizations. City and county leaders from across the nation also have their concerns about making trucks bigger and heavier. On Monday, Sept.…

Mix 108 Northlands (MN) | The Hidden Danger Facing Hundreds Of Minnesota Bridges

“Minnesota has joined the 49 other states in signing a letter to federal lawmakers, warning them that changes to trucking regulations could have disastrous consequences for states across the country. Roads, bridges, and the infrastructure that supports them are among the biggest expenses states must manage. In Minnesota, many community leaders are sounding the alarm that proposed changes to federal trucking rules could put over 68,000 bridges nationwide at risk, including hundreds in the Land of 10,000 Lakes… Supervisor Jeff Krueger…

Indiana Gazette (PA) | Blairsville mayor joins more than 2,000 municipal governments to oppose larger tractor-trailers

“Evanko says he joined more than 2,200 local government leaders to oppose this push because “if they were to increase, that will do a disservice to our local roads.” “Basically, I think of the safety of people and the beating up of roads and everything else over the years … it’s a safety matter, I think,” he said. “It could cost the borough, the state and everyone else more to maintain those roads. It would be really bad for everyone.”…

The Kansas City Star | Fatal truck crashes have spiked in Kansas, Missouri. Don’t add to the danger – Opinion (Steve Casstevens)

While Missouri is making headway curtailing crash fatalities involving large trucks, and as Kansas battles an increasingly deadly trend, lawmakers in Congress are weighing proposals that threaten to reverse any gains, putting area motorists at risk. At issue are proposals that would allow huge tractor trailers on the nation’s roads, despite powerful evidence indicating that crash rates are much greater for heavier trucks. Lawmakers are eyeing legislation promoted by large shipping companies that would increase truck weights from the current…

People’s World | Consumers League, Teamsters Again Battle vs. Oversized Trucks

“WASHINGTON—In a rerun of a 40-year-old battle over safety on the nation’s roads, the National Consumers League, the Teamsters, and their allies are again trying to throttle the truck companies’ push for longer and heavier trucks traversing U.S. highways. As it has since 1983, the battle is being waged on Capitol Hill, but the outcome is vital to everyone in the U.S. After all, everyone uses the roads, whether they’re drivers, passengers, truckers, pedestrians, or cyclists. On July 22, it…

Watch: Fox 59 (Indiana) | Proposal for heavier trucks draws opposition from consumer groups

“WXIN/WTTV – A proposal in Congress to increase the weight limits on big trucks is prompting debate and opposition from consumer groups who cite safety concerns. H.R. 3372 would increase the weight limit on six-axle trucks on the nation’s interstates from 80,000 pounds to 91,000 pounds. Proponents argue the change would mean reduced operating costs for trucking companies, fewer trucks on the roads burning less fuel and faster delivery routes.”  Watch & Read+…