Supporters say they will reduce energy and grocery costs, trucker shortage

By Guy Page

A national coalition of public safety and local government organizations is urging Vermont officials to oppose a federal proposal that would increase the maximum weight of trucks traveling on interstate highways from 80,000 to 91,000 pounds, warning of increased traffic accidents and hundreds of millions of dollars in potential bridge replacement costs.

This story was first reported via selectboard video on FYIVT.com. 

Aiden Hortgen, Northeastern Regional Director of the multi-state Coalition Against Bigger Trucks asked the Richmond Selectboard October 19 to send a letter to the state’s congressional delegation opposing the proposed increase.

Hortgen cited a coalition-commissioned study estimating that heavier trucks have a 47 percent higher crash rate in a state where trucks weighing up to 91,000 pounds are already permitted. 

The proposed increase would allow trucks to carry an additional 11,000 pounds, nearly 14 percent more than the current federal limit of 80,000 pounds. Washington, Maine and Vermont already allow trucks to exceed the 81,000 lb. limit.

The trucks could also be longer than federally-approved semi=trucks.

53% of 266 municipal funded bridges would need to be replaced, at a price tag of $412 million, Wood said.

Supporters of higher truck weight limits, including large retailers, have argued that allowing trucks to carry more freight could reduce the number of trips needed to transport goods, potentially lowering transportation costs and improving efficiency.

Opponents, including railroads and police chief and other public safety professionals’ advocacy groups, contend that heavier trucks could increase the severity of crashes, accelerate deterioration of roads and bridges, and impose additional infrastructure costs on state and local governments.

The board did not vote on the coalition’s request. Instead, the proposed letter will be redrafted for further consideration. The Coalition Against Bigger Trucks said it has made similar presentations to other Vermont municipalities. 

The discussion can be viewed in the meeting video, beginning at 2:04:09⁠.