Truck Weight Regulations Research Articles

Infrastructure and Economic Impacts of Changes in Truck Weight Regulations in Montana

The overall impacts of changes in truck weight limits on the economy in Montana were determined. Four scenarios were considered with different maximum allowable gross vehicle weights (GVWs). Three scenarios, with maximum GVWs of 36,300 kg (80,000 lb), 39,300 kg (88,000 lb), and 47,900 kg (105,500 lb), represented reductions in GVWs. The fourth scenario represented an increase in allowable GVW to 58,100 kg (128,000 lb). Predictions were made of the vehicle fleets under each scenario and of the changes in demands and performance of the highway infrastructure. Only nominal changes in infrastructure demands were observed across all scenarios (maximum of $1.5 million). Case studies of the impacts expected on selected industries within the state were conducted. Changes in transportation costs of 4 to 54 percent were predicted under the 36,300 kg (80,000 lb) scenario, which were estimated to be 0.2 to 4.1 percent of the value of the goods produced. Changes in transportation costs typically were at least an order of magnitude larger than changes in infrastructure costs. Statewide economic impacts in terms of forgone gross state product amounted to -0.4 percent and, in the first year alone, were 2 to 20 times the infrastructure impacts, depending on the scenario.

Application of Geographic Information Systems Technology in Freight Data Analysis: Case Study of I-90/I-94 Corridor Analysis

Availability of adequate and relevant information in certain formats is important in the analysis of possible impact of policy relating to freight transportation. The application of geographic information system (GIS) technology is a valuable tool in integrating spatial data with other forms of data. Such integration in a visual format facilitates understanding of the interrelationships between variables and provides a better feel for the potential implications of any policy initiatives. The application of GIS techniques to freight movement in a corridor analysis is presented. The nature of trucking activities along the I-90/I-94 corridor from Seattle to Chicago and how these activities are influenced by truck size and weight (TS&W) regulations are investigated. The GIS approach allows the analyst or policy maker to address a range of what-if public policy questions. The policy questions for TS&W are complex and are beyond simply understanding the overall freight and transportation characteristics of the corridor. The database allows the analyst to visually understand freight movement on a given highway and forecast the probable outcome of changing certain rules and regulations that control such movement.

Analysis of Vehicles for International Motor Transport of Freight Between Mexico and Other NAFTA Countries

Traditionally, the operative and normative practices of motor transport in the three countries that are party to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Mexico, the United States, and Canada, have been substantially different. In view of the imminent enforcement of the NAFTA motor transport accords, and with the aim of making transport more efficient, it is necessary to standardize such practices. Truck size and weight regulations in the three NAFTA countries are reviewed. A series of vehicles are ranked according to their transport productivity and their circulation possibilities through the part of the Mexican network that is most relevant to Mexico’s international commerce with the United States and Canada. The analysis includes the most commonly used vehicles authorized by federal regulations and others that are authorized only regionally but whose more extensive utilization could mean important productivity increases for the freight motor industry. The vehicle types that are most convenient to use considering the current condition of Mexican roads are identified. Other recommendations for making motor transport under NAFTA more efficient are addressed.

Large trucks in the United States: size and weight regulations

This paper reviews the major changes which have occurred in the trucking industry in the United States, particularly in relation to truck size and weight. It briefly reviews the regulatory environment prior to the establishment of new Federal size and weight limits in 1982. It then outlines current length, width and weight restrictions related to the operation of large trucks, and discusses some of the effects of these regulations. Unresolved issues and on‐going or planned studies aimed at resolving some of these issues are addressed. A set of principles for idealized truck size and weight regulations are postulated.