AISI applauds introduction of Truck Efficiency Bill

By  Paul Ploumis 11 Sep 2015  Last updated at  04:03:54 GMT

ALBANY (Scrap Monster): The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has applauded the introduction of the Safe, Flexible, and Efficient Trucking (SaFE) Act by Rep. Reid Ribble which allows states to permit heavier trucks on roads.

The Act is based on the safety and road wear data by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Currently, freight shipping trucks are allowed to carry a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds. The legislation proposes increase of truck limit to a maximum of 91,000 pounds. These trucks may be required to upgrade to six axles from current five, in order to ensure at least the same or better stopping distance and pavement wear.

According to Thomas J. Gibson, AISI president and CEO, the bill would contribute significantly to reduce road wear and greenhouse gas emissions and also make truck transportation of goods safer. He further added that the bill assumes great significance as nearly 70% of the overall freight tonnage in the country is moved by trucks. Moreover, overall US freight tonnage is expected to increase to 25%. The bill will benefit steel industry as the industry still relies on trucks as a vital means of transportation of steel products, he added. The Association applauded Congressman Ribble for introducing the bill and urged the House to include the language in any House transportation funding bill.

The SAFE Trucking Act is expected to help safe transportation of more goods with the help of fewer trucks. The Act being supported by the Wisconsin DOT is likely to benefit paper manufacturers and dairy farmers the most in the wake of their heavy dependence on trucks to transport their products across the country.

It must be noted that Canada and Europe allows trucks with loads exceeding 100,000 pounds on their roads.