Together with a bi-partisan group of U.S. Senators, Ohio’s Rob Portman this week introduced legislation to modernize truck weight regulation to improve shipping efficiency. Introduced separately in the U.S. House by Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio), the Safe & Efficient Transportation Act (SETA) allows states to hike weight limits for specially equipped vehicles beyond the currently-allowed 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
The legislation is intended to allow shippers to safely utilize more truck space. The OMA commends Senator Portman for taking up this issue.
For years, the OMA has worked at the state level to facilitate permits for special shipments above the 80,000 pound limit. Self-serving railroads have lobbied in the Statehouse to oppose their manufacturing customers and restrict trucking efficiency.
A change at the national level would provide states with flexibility to design more competitive transportation options. In late February, the OMA urged members of a congressional panel to include SETA in the pending highway bill.
The OMA encourages members to work with the National Association of Manufacturers and the Coalition for Transportation Productivity to support the federal legislation.
