Congress recently passed a short-term extension of the federal highway funding program through October 29. Over the next three months, Congress will try to craft a multi-year bill that would reauthorize infrastructure projects across the country. As part of the debate, the House Transportation Committee is expected to consider adding truck weight reform to a highway reauthorization bill during a committee mark-up scheduled for September.

As a member of the Coalition for Transportation Productivity (CTP), IDFA supports increasing the federal gross vehicle weight limit on commercial trucks if they are properly equipped with an additional axle and meet the same safety standards as trucks currently allowed on interstates.

In June, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released its technical findings in connection with its Comprehensive Truck Size and Weight Limits study. Among its findings, DOT concluded that more productive trucks lower congestion costs, fuel costs, and carbon and other emissions. They also found that vehicle stability and control are virtually unchanged on heavier six-axle vehicles. Truck weight reform would also reduce pavement costs significantly.

In preparation for September’s mark-up in the House, IDFA encourages you to take advantage of the August congressional recess to talk to your members of Congress about how truck weight reform will improve transportation efficiency for your business.

• Send a letter on your letterhead to your member of Congress urging them to support the truck weight reform amendment that Rep. Reid Ribble (R-WI) plans to offer to the highway reauthorization bill this fall. Click here to access a sample letter.
• Organize a plant tour for your member of Congress during the month of August to explain exactly how truck weight reform would help your company. Plant visits are an effective way for IDFA members to communicate on issues important to the dairy industry, and members of Congress will be in their districts for much of the month of August.

For assistance scheduling a congressional plant tour or to request a copy of IDFA’s 2015 Plant Tour Guide, contact Ashley Burch, IDFA director of political programs, at aburch@idfa.org or (202) 220-3534.