In The News

"British Truckers Granted Three More Vehicle Tons"
Transport Topics - February 5, 2001

LONDON — British truckers won the right to add three tons of capacity to their rigs on Feb. 1 as the central government increased the maximum weight for six-axle tractor-trailers to just over 97,000 pounds.

Trucking and shipper groups in the United Kingdom hailed the move as a step forward for efficiency and said the environment should benefit from having fewer trucks traveling the roads. But environmental advocates called the growth of truck weights a mistake.

The weight increase and the arguments in favor of it mirror the regulatory change some trucking companies and shippers in the United States have been lobbying for, and the British experience could provide a proving ground for the concept.

Previously, the weight cap for British trucks was 41 metric tons, or just under 90,390 pounds. A metric ton equals 1,000 kilograms, or 2,205 pounds.

The only trucks that could early 44 tons without a permit were those picking up or delivering rail freight. Britain, like many other European countries, has tried without much success to get freight off the highways and onto the rails, which the government believes are more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The government decided to raise truck weights across the board despite some concerns it would lead to more cargo being shipped by road instead of rail. The decision culminated a 20-year lobbying battle by truckers and shippers.

Echoing arguments heard from proponents of bigger trucks in the U.S., the British Freight Transport Association convinced the government that 44-ton freight vehicles would be better for the roads, increase the efficiency of truckers and allow fewer trucks to carry the same amount of cargo. The FTA, which represents truck operators and shippers, said fewer trucks would mean less congestion and pollution.

Government research confirmed that six-axle trucks, even those as heavy as 44 tons, do less road damage than 5-axle rigs weighing 40-tons because the burden on the road surface is better distributed over the extra axle.

The British Department of Transport estimates that the weight increase will take approximately 1,000 trucks off the roads and reduce truck travel by 62 million vehicle-miles.

To ensure the heavier rigs are just as safe, they will have to have an air-ride suspension, anti-lock brakes and be able to stop as quickly as a 38-ton truck.

To be allowed to go beyond 41 tons, trucks will also have to meet the Euro II emission standards that new trucks have had to pass since 1996.

"Altogether, you'll have a much safer, more environmentally friendly lorry," said FTA spokesman David Russell.

Those who would like to see heavier trucks in the U.S. would say, "Amen."

Some truckload carriers, together with the National Private Truck Council and shipper groups, have lobbied Congress for a 97,000-pound, six-axle standard in the U.S. Although a bill was introduced in Congress in 1999 to accomplish that, it has not garnered the support needed. Its backers hope to try again this year.

Congress set the current US cap of 80,000 pounds for federally aided roads in 1982, but some states regularly allow tractor-trailers beyond that weight under special permits.

American proponents of heavier trucks have been hampered by safety advocates and railroads, which have long fought against bigger, heavier trucks.

There are also important segments in trucking that would prefer to see the status quo maintained rather than having to buy expensive new equipment to carry the heavier loads in order to remain competitive.

The trucking industry in England presents a more united front, except for some carriers that mostly deal with rail freight and would like to see their special exemption retained.

The FTA'S Russell said some carriers that haul light materials that fill the trailer before the maximum weight is reached will not benefit from the weight increase. But they 'will not be negatively affected, either.

As in the US, not everyone is happy to see heavier trucks rumbling down the road.

Friends of the Earth, a British environmental group, said 44-ton trucks will cause more damage in the event of an accident and will take freight off railroads. Richard Higman, senior transport campaigner for Friends of the Earth, agreed with the argument that six-axle trucks distribute the weigh better so they do not damage the roads as much. But he said that does not apply to bridges.

"Bridge damage is proportional to total weight, not axle-weight, because the whole lorry is on the bridge at once," Higman said.

By Jeff Johnson
Transport Topics European Correspondent