U.S. Congress rejects truck weight limit increase on interstate highways

The House on Tuesday defeated an amendment to a $325 billion highway funding bill that would have let states decide whether they want to allow heavier trucks on their roads.

The amendment, from Reps. Reid Ribble (R-Wis.), Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), David Rouzer (R-N.C.) and Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), would have allowed states to decide whether they want to increase a current limit of 80,000 pounds [36.3 tonnes] for cargo trucks to 91,000 pounds [41.3 tonnes].

Proponents wanted to attach it to the highway bill in an attempt to end a bitter fight over truck weights that has raged for years in Washington. The proposal was rejected 187-236 in a House floor vote.

Supporters of the amendment emphasized that the proposal would only give states the option — not a mandate — to allow the heavier truck weights in order to carry more cargo.

"We are facing a capacity crunch in the United States today," Ribble said.

But lawmakers of both parties questioned the safety of permitting heavier trucks, even if they are equipped with a sixth axle.

Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Mass.), whose urban district includes Boston, noted that many metropolitan commuters use interstates alongside the "humongously long trucks."

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