Congressmen Cook and Peterson Sponsor ASET's Legislation -
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    We are proud to announce Congressmen Merrill Cook (R-UT) and Collin Peterson (D-MN) have sponsored ASET's legislation. Congressmen Cook and Peterson introduced our bipartisan bill on May 4. ASET's bill, H.R. 1667, would allow states to increase truck weights on the Interstate Highway System from their current limit of 80,000 to 97,000 pounds.
    The idea of allowing states to have more autonomy over truck weight issues was a major impetus for Cook and Peterson. In addition to giving more power to the states, Congressman Cook stated, "This legislation will reduce the number of trucks on the road and the number of miles traveled, while simultaneously assisting struggling industries such as agriculture, forest products, steel and many others."
    Under H.R. 1667, states could only allow more weight with the addition of a sixth axle for better braking capabilities and a "softer footprint" on the highway. Congressmen Cook and Peterson were buoyed by the safety and environmental gains DOT's Truck Size and Weight Study predicts will occur by allowing trucks with single trailers to haul 97,000 pounds. ASET has had many meetings with Congressional Members on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee regarding H.R. 1667. The responses have been very positive and many Members have indicated they would likely co-sponsor the legislation. The bipartisan nature and support of H.R. 1667 will enhance its chances of passage during the 106th Congress.
    You may view the legislation in its entirety as it was presented to the House of Representatives on our web site at: www.aset-safety.org

ASET Receives Good News from DOT Truck Size and Weight Study -
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    In December the U.S. Department of Transportation released its study on truck size and weights. The DOT looked at a variety of scenarios including increasing truck weights to 97,000 pounds from their current limit of 80,000 pounds.
    The study predicts that allowing truck weights to increase to 97,000 pounds will result in fewer trucks on the road, meaning a reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT). The decrease in VMT would produce an improvement in traffic congestion and air pollution. Most importantly, due to the reduction in VMT, there should be a corresponding reduction in accidents. Also, because there would be a sixth axle added for trucks carrying the additional weight, there is a more evenly dispersed weight across the trailer creating a "softer footprint" on the highway; thus, pavement restoration costs would also decrease according to DOT. All of these benefits would occur while saving shippers billions annually.
    DOT findings also predict a relatively small diversion from rail to truck but instead, a much more efficient use of truck transportation. To view the entire DOT study, please visit the ASET web site at: www.aset-safety.org

Spring 1999

Five Western Governors Write Congress -
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    At the end of 1998, five western governors individually wrote letters to House Transportation Committee Chairman Bud Shuster. In each letter the subject was the same: allowing states to make judgements on whether or not to increase truck sizes and weights. Governor Edward Schafer of North Dakota spoke of a potato processing plant in his home state that was being unfairly burdened by the existing 80,000-lbs. limit on truck weights. Governor Jim Geringer of Wyoming mentioned in his letter that Union Pacific Railroad had sent a notice to small grain producers that only larger shipments of grain would be serviced by their rail cars. The inability to use congested railways and strict limits on truck weights, Geringer argued, was impairing many businesses' ability to compete.
     In each instance, the governors expressed every state has different needs and demands and therefore should have more autonomy in the decision-making process when it comes to matters such as transportation. ASET strongly agrees with the governors from North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. ASET's legislation (H.R. 1667) would send the power back to the states to decide how to improve their productivity. ASET urges Congress to address this ever-growing problem and move toward adoption of our legislation immediately.

ASET Announces Name Change -
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    The Alliance for Safe and Efficient Trucking has changed its name. We have recently become Americans for Safe and Efficient Transportation. Our address and staff remain the same, as does our mission. The change simply indicates our desire to reach out to all members of society to make transportation safety and efficiency go hand-in-hand.

ASET Speaks to Constituent Groups -
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    In the past month, ASET has been actively reaching out to interested constituencies that are in favor of allowing states the right to increase truck weights. Director Peter Vroom has spoken to members of the American Forest and Paper Association and the American Iron and Steel Institute. Vroom discussed the carefully drafted legislation and its benefits to each group's members. Western Director Eric White attended the recent National Private Truck Council national meeting in Long Beach, CA to discuss ASET with its members. The responses at all three meetings were positive and informative for both ASET and the constituent groups involved. ASET urges all of its members and interested parties to try and involve and incorporate ASET into your meetings or conferences. If you would like ASET to speak to your organization or its members, please call us at (703) 549-9467.

New Members of ASET -
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    Recently, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association announced that it has officially joined as a member of ASET. The Cattlemen's Association is widely recognized as a leader in the efforts to protect and serve farmers and the agriculture industry. In addition Pittsburgh Logistics Systems and PGT Trucking Inc. are both new ASET members. Both companies are from Monaca, Pennsylvania and share a strong concern for truck weight flexibility to enhance their businesses.

ASET    1733 King Street - Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone (703) 549-9467 - Fax (703) 549-6980