News From ASET - December, 1999

Spring 2000 Fly-In

Preparations are under way for a fly-in to Washington, D.C. this April. Our tentative date at this time is April 4 but could change. The event will highlight ASET's desire to see productivity and safety enhancements in our transportation policy. Specifically, we will be advocating passage of H.R. 1667, which would allow states the right to increase the allowable weight on their Interstates from 80,000 to 97,000 pounds with single-trailer trucks that add a sixth axle.

Our tentative agenda will include an exhibit on or near the Capitol building grounds. We envision having a six-axle vehicle present to illustrate the productivity gains that would occur if Congress passes H.R. 1667. We will invite members of Congress, their staff, transportation specialists, trucking and shipping groups, and all interested parties to gather for the exhibit. Speakers will discuss the importance of both safety and productivity in the proposal. We will then hold a luncheon in or near the Capitol. We most likely will have members of Congress speak to the group at this time. Finally, ASET will coordinate with congressional staff several meetings with members of Congress to have more focused attention brought to H.R. 1667.

We hope as many of you as possible can make it to Washington this spring. If you have any questions or would like to know more about how you can participate in this event or get involved with ASET, please contact Jake Jacoby at (703) 549-9467 or by email.

ASET Meets with Members of Federal Highway Administration

ASET staff met this month with officials from USDOT's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to discuss our 97,000-pound legislative initiative and the truck size and weight study expected to be released by FHWA in the near future. It was clear that FHWA officials are carefully looking at the 97,000-pound proposal with an open mind and that they recognize the need for innovative solutions to the projected dramatic increases in future U.S. freight movement.

FHWA indicated a willingness to work with ASET in formulating additional studies of the 97,000-pound proposal that they put forth as part of DOT's Comprehensive Truck Size and Weight Study in their North American Trade Scenario. We look forward to working with the agency to examine the impact on both productivity and safety from changes in existing truck size and weight policy.