What are the benefits to agricultural commodity and forest products transportation of increasing federal Gross Vehicle Weight limits from 80,000 to 97,000 pounds, with the addition of a sixth axle?
Researchers at the University of Georgia estimate log trucking cost reductions of up to 18%, after accounting for the cost of upgrading the trailer and truck engine. See Eason and Greene’s Potential Impacts of 97,000-GVW on Logging Costs Engine manufacturer Cummins Inc., in a study (ATRIstudy.pdf – Adobe®Acrobat®Reader required) sponsored by the American Transportation Research Institute, verified a 17% fuel savings, per ton of cargo hauled, in a 97,000-pound six-axle configuration, compared to an 80,000-pound five-axle configuration, in controlled, over-the-road tests. AgTEC submitted this statement to the record of the House Highways & Transit Subcommttee’s July 9, 2008, hearing on “Truck Weights & Lengths: Assessing the Impacts of Existing Law & Regulations.
Related Questions
- What are the benefits to agricultural commodity and forest products transportation of increasing federal Gross Vehicle Weight limits from 80,000 to 97,000 pounds, with the addition of a sixth axle?
- Will raising GVW ceilings on federal highways for raw agricultural and forest products haulers create new safety hazards?
- Why is providing recreation, commercial forest products, environmental benefits, and social and cultural uses important?
