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Washington, D.C. - Legislation Designed to Increase the Competitiveness of U.S. Businesses by Boosting Transportation Efficiencies for Shippers
Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio) and Congressman Mike Michaud (D-Maine) reintroduced H.R. 763, the Safe & Efficient Transportation Act (SETA). H.R. 763 will make it easier for the transportation industry to deliver goods more efficiently by allowing states to increase truck weight limits saving money and fuel.
“This legislation will make businesses and agriculture more competitive in the global marketplace,” said Congresswoman Jean Schmidt. “As Congress begins its work on reauthorizing the Highway bill, modernizing 30-year old truck weight limits is an important way to strengthen our economy,” Schmidt added.
H.R. 763 allows states to increase the truck weight limits on federal interstate highways. Current truck weight limits are set at 80,000 lbs., a limit that was set in 1982. SETA gives states the option to increase that limit to 97,000 lbs. The United States currently lags behind major trading nations like Canada, Mexico, and the European Union which have already increased weight limits. Today trucks are often sent out on the highways half full because of the current weight limits requiring more trucks which increase fuel use and shipping costs for manufacturers, agriculture, and consumers. Many states already permit heavier trucks on state and local roads and research proves H.R. 763 will improve roadway safety.
“Outdated regulations should not be allowed to slow down our economic recovery. This is one way to even the playing field for our manufacturers and farmers, reducing the cost of goods and making our roads safer,” Schmidt concluded.
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