Sen. Mike Crapo
Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo says states like Idaho should have the option to increase the weight of trucks on freeways, and that upping trucks’ weight would lower the number of trips trucks need to take.
Crapo is sponsoring a plan in the Senate that would give state legislatures the option of upping the maximum weight limit on interstate freeways 21 percent, from 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds.
In a guest opinion sent to media outlets, the Idaho Republican says the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act would give Idaho and other states the option to increase interstate truck weights safely to get more goods to market with fewer trucks.
Crapo says the Department of Transportation estimates that going to heavier trucks with six axles could save $14.5 billion in shipping costs a year, and would decrease the number of trucks on the road, making it safer for other drivers. The heavier trucks would also be subject to an overweight vehicle tax that would go to fund road and bridge repairs.
Idaho Congressmen Walt Minnick and Mike Simpson are backing a similar plan in the House. (IdahoReporter.com)
