US Steel group supports truck limit increase bill

UNITED STATES September 15 2015 6:30 PM

NEW YORK (Scrap Register): The American Iron and Steel Institute applauded the introduction of a bill today by Rep. Reid Ribble (R-WI), the Safe, Flexible, and Efficient Trucking (SaFE) Act, which enables states the flexibility of permitting six-axle trucks to carry up to 91,000 pounds.

Thomas J. Gibson, AISI president and CEO, said, “With nearly 70 percent of all US freight tonnage moved by trucks and overall freight tonnage expected to grow to nearly 25 percent, truck weight reform needs to be included in the surface transportation reauthorization legislation when it goes before the House this fall.”

“Like many manufacturers, the steel industry utilizes all modes of transportation to move goods, but steel products moved by truck can easily reach current federal weight limits before they maximize truck capacity. AISI has long-supported this legislation to improve efficiency and safety, and lower logistical costs,” Gibson added.

“We applaud Congressman Ribble for introducing this critical measure, which will reduce road wear, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize bridge impact, make truck transportation safer, and preserve state and local control. We urge the House to include the language in any House transportation funding bill,” Gibson concluded.