Georgia industries seek higher truck weight limits

By Associated Press

For the AJC

Some of Georgia's largest companies are lobbying state and federal officials to raise weight limits on highways in the states, a move they say will help the economy and the environment.

State officials worry about safety and maintenance issues if heavier trucks are allowed on Georgia roads.

A coalition of major shippers, including Coca-Cola, Georgia-Pacific and International Paper, wants the weight limits raised, Morris News Service reported.

Many trucks reach their maximum weight limits while there's still room the trailer, the companies say. Allowing more weight could reduce the number of loads, which would cut traffic and lessen truck emissions, they say.

Fewer loads could also solve a driver shortage, according to Lindsey Chason, a logistics expert with Home Depot.

"We're running out of drivers. We are running out of good drivers," she told the State Transportation Board at an Oct. 19 committee meeting.

At the same time, the Southeastern Wood Producers Association wants the Georgia Legislature to boost the weight limit on state highways for their logging trucks.

While lawmakers will make the ultimate decision, the Transportation Board wants data so it can give an informed recommendation. Business owners on the board are keeping an open mind.

"I've very sympathetic to what your concerns are," said Rudy Bowen, the board's chairman.

But weight is a major factor in the level of wear and tear on roads and bridges, and funding from the motor-fuel tax and federal government is decreasing what's available for maintenance, Bowen added.

The coalition wants Congress to boost the limit from 80,000 pounds to 97,000.