For Immediate Release
(202) 224-5653

KOHL INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HELP WISCONSIN TRUCKERS AND BUSINESSES BY INCREASING TRUCK WEIGHTS

Washington, DC – Bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Herb Kohl, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and Maine Senator Susan Collins would bring more efficiency to the trucking industry and help transport goods to consumers more safely and effectively.  The three joined together to introduce the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act (SETA) of 2010 (S. 3705), which would increases truck weights from 80,000 to 97,000 on the Interstate System in any state that would opt in to the plan. Identical legislation (H.R. 1799) in the U.S. House of Representatives has 54 bipartisan co-sponsors.   

The measure sets several stipulations for the increased weight.  The vehicles would have to be equipped with at an additional axle and set of brakes; accordingly, a six-axle truck with 97,000 pounds would have the same breaking capacity and weight distribution as a five-axle truck carrying 80,000 pounds. The legislation would result in reduced emissions, fewer trucks on the road, and a decrease in fuel usage.  Most importantly, it leaves it up to the states to determine if the weight increase would be allowed on the highways through that state.  

"This bipartisan legislation strikes the right balance between productivity and safety," said Kohl.  "This common sense bill will make a big impact on the countless businesses and industries that depend on trucks to move their products.  I've met with a number of people in Wisconsin who say this legislation will make their business more efficient and allow them to invest in their company and add jobs.  This legislation will allow us to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut air pollution, and keep American businesses competitive."  

The American Trucking Association estimates that the trucking industry will haul 30 percent more tonnage in 2021 than it does today.  Without the weight increase, our economy will require 18 percent more trucks on the road by that time.  Under S. 3705, the weight limit adjustment would safely reduce the number of trucks required to ship a given amount of goods.  

This bill is endorsed by the American Forest & Paper Association, International Dairy Foods Association, National Milk Producers Federation, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, and Wisconsin Paper Council. It is also supported by companies employing Wisconsin residents including: Deere & Company, Domtar, Flambeau River Paper, General Mills, Georgia Pacific, Green Bay Packaging, International Paper, Kraft Foods, Miller Coors, Millis Transfer, Nestle USA, New Page, Plum Creek, R.R. Donnelly, SC Johnson and Weyerhaeuser.