OOIDA draws attention to Indiana overweight truck bills

OOIDA continues to draw attention to a pair of Indiana bills to accommodate more overweight truck travel.

Lewie Pugh, OOIDA executive vice president, says that truck size and weight exemptions are “nothing new.” He cites economic interests that want to ship cheap freight.

Overweight truck permits & loads

The first bill would authorize the Indiana Department of Transportation to issue overweight truck permits. HB1190 reads that applications for permits must demonstrate that rail travel for the resource is not an option.

A second bill covers overweight divisible loads.

Indiana law authorizes trucks hauling metal commodities to be allowed up to 120,000 pounds. Additionally, loads of bark, logs, sawdust, wood chips, or agricultural commodities are allowed up to 97,000 pounds for transport from the point of harvest to the point of first destination.

SB40 would expand the category of freight that can be considered an overweight divisible load. The provision would authorize transporting commodities up to 120,000 pounds.

OOIDA disputes claim that heavier trucks are needed

“Trucking already suffers from overcapacity – too many trucks, trailers and drivers,” Pugh wrote in a recent letter to the bill sponsor.

He said his point is reflected by wages, working conditions, and rampant driver turnover.

“Rather than address real trucking issues, you are leading the charge on a bill that will hasten the deterioration of Indiana’s already crumbling infrastructure, reduce margins of safety, and ultimately give a competitive advantage to the largest economic interests in trucking,” Pugh wrote.

Mike Matousek, OOIDA manager of government affairs, emailed members in the state asking for their input about the Association’s position on overweight trucks.

“If you agree with what we’re saying, reach out to your state lawmakers,” the letter encouraged recipients.

Matousek also asked Indiana members to contact him with any questions or suggestions. LL