DOT Size-Weight Study Criticized

The less-than-truckload industry sharply criticized a draft study from the Department of Transportation on truck sizes and weights, beginning what is likely to be a steady stream of disapproval from trucking.

The criticism came in comments filed by two trade associations representing LTL carriers on the department’s analysis of what would happen if current federal limits on truck sizes and weights were changed. While DOT last week extended until April 15 the deadline for filing comments on the study, the trade associations met the original March 5 deadline.

DOT plans to complete the study this summer and present it to lawmakers for use as a analytical tool.

The Motor Freight Carriers Association as well as the Distribution and LTL Carriers Association offered some arguments that other trucking sectors might raise in their analysis of the report. Both groups criticized DOT for studying the impact of increased truck sizes on railroads and questioned the lack of data on truck safety.

“The potential diversion of rail freight is not a legitimate governmental public policy consideration,” said Kevin Williams, chief executive officer for the Distribution and LTL Carriers Association. “The marketplace will determine which mode and which carrier receives the freight from customers.”

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