News From ASET - November, 1999

Safety Statistics on ASET Web Page

ASET released its one-page safety statistics memo recently. It is important to remember that safety must always be our top priority as we work to increase productivity in the field of transportation. During DOT's Comprehensive Truck Size and Weight Study, which was released in December 1998, many important safety facts were brought to light.

The idea of allowing states to determine whether they should increase allowable weights on their Interstates would not harm the safety of our nation's highways' travelers. In fact, DOT predicts that if trucks were allowed to haul 97,000 pounds on the Interstates, truck vehicle miles traveled would decrease, thus meaning a corresponding decrease in accidents involving trucks.

To view some of the safety statistics that both DOT and other studies have shown, please click here.

ASET Legislation in the News

ASET's legislation, H.R. 1667, was again referenced in the news this month. A Transport Topics' article released November 8, 1999 discussed American Trucking Associations President Walter McCormick's exchange with Edward Hamberger of the Association of American Railroads. In the article, McCormick both defended the idea of truck productivity and also took to task the railroad industry's obstruction of every piece of legislation that would benefit the trucking industry. In the text of the article, ASET's 97,000-pound bill was referenced as follows: "Most of trucking support the idea of lifting the limit to allow longer tractor-trailers weighing as much as 97,000 pounds, up from the current 80,000-pound federal restriction. ATA has formed a task force to examine efforts to do so." To view the entire article, please click here.

ASET to Host Spring Fly-In

ASET has decided to begin its planning for a spring fly-in next year. The event will be held in Washington, D.C. to support both our coalition and our efforts to move H.R. 1667 through Congress. All ASET members and participants will be welcomed to the event. More details should be finalized next month. If you have any suggestions on how to make our spring fly-in a success, please contact Jake Jacoby at (703) 549-9467 or by email. The issue will be further discussed on our December conference call.