Small Town News

Governor raises truck weight limits for farmers

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On April 15, Gov. Chet Culver signed House File 2512, legislation that expands the types of commodities trucks can carry using six and seven-axle configurations at higher weight limits.

"This bill means trucks will be able to carry more freight in fewer trips, increasing economic efficiency for farmers and businesses," Culver said. "Every driver will benefit from this law because it will mean fewer trucks and less wear and tear on our roads, plus increased safety."

As Iowa farmers' yields continue to increase, the pressure to quickly and safely haul grain and livestock to market also increases.

"This will help our agricultural economy continue to expand," Culver said. "We are proud to be expanding on Iowa's strongest traditional economic foundation, which is agriculture."

This bill provides an exception to existing weight restrictions for certain six and seven-axle commercial motor vehicles traveling on non-interstate highways. Currently, most vehicles or combinations of vehicles are subject to a gross weight limit of up to 80,000 pounds; however, the gross weight limit for a livestock or construction vehicle with six or seven axles ranges from 80,500 pounds to 90,000 pounds for six axles, and up to 96,000 pounds for seven axles.

The bill extends the same weight limits that apply to livestock and construction vehicles to all commercial vehicles of similar size.

Spreading trucks' weight over more axles reduces the stress on the roads trucks travel on, making the law beneficial to Iowa's infrastructure.

Additionally, allowing for greater sized shipments means that less fuel will be used, due to fewer trucks on the road. The law will also help make roads safer: increased stopping power due to additional brakes means drivers will have more control over their trucks.

The bill requires that a commercial motor vehicle traveling under the relaxed weight restrictions must be operated by a person with a commercial driver's license valid for the vehicle operated.

The provisions of the bill do not apply to vehicles operated on interstate highways.



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© 2010 Lyon County Reporter Rock Rapids, Iowa. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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