Wednesday, March 15, 2006

TCA won't support ATA's higher weight limit proposal


The board of directors of the Truckload Carriers Association will not support the American Trucking Associations proposal to increase weight and size limits of big trucks.

The ATA changed its current policy on truck weight and size, recommending a standard 53-foot trailer and a 97,000-pound weight limit in certain circumstances.

“The TCA committees on Operating Practices and Highway Policy met jointly on March 12 and discussed this issue and recommended keeping current TCA policies on size and weights,” TCA president Chris Burruss told delegates to the organization’s annual meeting here on March 14.

Subsequently, he said, the group’s board of directors took no action leaving the group’s position unchanged, meaning the organization would not support the ATA proposal.

“Without question, this is one of the most divisive issues that we as an industry face,” Burruss said. “ATA should be commended for its willingness to take up this issue in an effort to seek commonality. However, it should be noted that many in the truckload segment do not support ATA’s view on this matter. Consensus will be difficult, but we are fully committed to discuss all proposals and recommendations regarding this matter through our committee process.”

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