Transportation Bill Passed out of Committee

Last Thursday, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed a bipartisan long term highway bill that will likely be considered by the full house the week of November 2. In September, NPC sent a letter to the U.S. House in support of a long term highway bill that is adequately funded to support efficient transportation of agricultural commodities. The letter addresses several issues of concern related to truck efficiency and productivity including under-utilized semi-tractor trailers due to federal highway weight limits being lower than many state road weight limits. The letter urged Congress to support increasing truck weight limits on the Interstate Highways to 91,000 pounds as long as those trucks are equipped with an additional sixth axle. During the consideration of the highway bill by the full House Rep. Ribble (R-WI) will offer an amendment to offer states the option of increasing truck weights on federal highways to 91,000 pounds. NPC is working with a broad coalition to support the Ribble Amendment.