MADISON, Wis. (WSAU) - Much larger trucks could be driving on Wisconsin highways if Congress decides the efficiencies of bigger loads are more important than the concerns of road damage and driver safety.
The maximum weight for interstate trucks could be increased by eight and a half tons to 97 thousand pounds. The current weight limit in Wisconsin and most states is 80 thousand pounds -- unless the truck has a permit to exceed that limit. Companies which ship household goods in tractor trailers say the bigger loads would cut down on traffic, decrease fuel usage and basically keep prices lower. Opponents say the heavier trucks would cause more road and bridge damage.
The heavier trucks would also take more distance to stop and deaths from accidents involving large trucks are already up by nine percent.
