States push heavier truck loads

States are rewriting truck weight rules – and some of these changes are raising red flags.

Lawmakers are zoning in on specific loads, from construction materials to farm goods and milk.

Backers say heavier trucks could mean fewer trips, less traffic and lower emission. But the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association isn’t sold.

OOIDA points to studies from the Transportation Research Board and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Studies show that heavier trucks can actually make problems worse, not better.

Even with those warnings, states across the country are pushing ahead with new truck weight limits for certain hauls.

Maryland

Maryland just flipped the script on heavy-weight port corridor permits.

Back in 2019, the state gave the Maryland DOT the go-ahead to launch a permit program.

That setup lets overweight trucks hauling international freight on certain roads tied to port routes.

Under the rules, a truck – or a combo of vehicles – carrying manifested international freight as its only load, sealed in a seagoing container on a semitrailer, can count as hauling an indivisible load if it has the right permit. There’s still a firm cap: no more than 100,000 pounds.

Now, the new truck weight law shakes things up.

It removes the rule that required routes to be set through formal regulations. It also scraps the idea of naming specific heavy-weight port corridors.

Instead, trucks with permits must stay on state or county highways listed on the permit. Those routes connect the Seagirt Marine Terminal to destinations approved by MDOT.

One thing stays the same: existing truck route limits and bans still apply.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin is doubling down on heavier loads.

Over the past two years, lawmakers approved higher weights for pig iron, milk, liquid whey and other dairy products.

Now, Gov. Tony Evers has signed another change focused on grain, commercial feed and bulk fertilizer.

The new law allows trucks with six or more axles to haul up to 91,000 pounds on certain highways. The old limit was 90,000 pounds.

There’s also a $325 permit fee.

Drivers must get written approval from local highway departments before using local roads.

And there’s a catch: these permits only apply to trips tied to rail yards, ports, ethanol plants, factories, grain elevators or feed mills.

The DOT can also shut down these permits during spring thaw conditions.

Rep. Brent Jacobson, R-Mosinee, said the change helps ag producers move goods more efficiently.

The updated truck weight rule takes effect this summer.

Virginia

Virginia is zeroing in on coal haulers.

Current law says either the truck owner, the operator or both can be held responsible for weight violations.

Fines start at $250.

HB1457 tightens things up. It makes clear that if a truck qualifies for a coal permit but runs without one, the owner is on the hook.

At the request of Gov. Abigail Spanberger, lawmakers widened the rule to include lessees.

The new law takes effect July 1.

Oregon

Oregon is pushing the limits even higher for milk haulers.

A new truck weight law orders the Oregon DOT to run a five-year pilot program.

Right now, milk trucks can carry up to 105,500 pounds with the proper permit.

The new rule jumps that limit to 129,000 pounds – but only on approved routes.

The state will study how the extra weight impacts roads and bridges. Lawmakers will get a full report by fall 2032. LL