• AAA takes aim at Minnesota weight debate

    The AAA Clubs of Minnesota are denouncing a study conducted by the Minnesota Dept. of Transportation (MNDOT) that looked at increased commercial truck size and weight limits as a way to reduce traffic congestion
    Feb. 27, 2006
    2 min read

    The AAA Clubs of Minnesota are denouncing a study conducted by the Minnesota Dept. of Transportation (MNDOT) that looked at increased commercial truck size and weight limits as a way to reduce traffic congestion.

    “MNDOT proposes allowing heavier trucks on Minnesota roads as long as they have more axles, so instead of an 80,000-lb limit, a typical semi could weigh as much as 97,000 lb with seven axles, or, with a twin trailer, up to 108,000 lb with eight axles,” said Steve Frank, president & CEO of Minneapolis AAA.

    “MNDOT says that more freight on a truck with more axles leads to fewer trips, less wear and tear on the road and, with fewer ‘interactions’ between cars and trucks, a safer highway system too,” Frank continued. “That's balderdash. Trucks that big traveling on state roads are 300% to 400% more dangerous than they would be on the Interstate system … and they’re more likely to rollover, they’re harder on bridges and they’re noisier, too.”

    MNDOT’s “Truck Size and Weight Project” is getting a lot of negative feedback from other groups, too, including the Minnesota State Troopers Assn., the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Assn., the Minnesota Transportation Alliance.

    “We disagree with MNDOT’s proposal because we believe larger, heavier trucks will increase deaths and injuries, while also worsening traffic congestion and intensifying road wear,” said AAA’s Frank.

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

    Sign up for our free eNewsletters

    Latest from News

    Oxy
    Occidental Chemical, known as OxyChem, produces indispensable chemicals internationally. This small private fleet covers about 2.5 million miles annually, delivering products to customers across the U.S.
    Members Only
    Leadership and training turned this chemical bulk hauler into one of the safest fleets in the U.S. Intensive training and experience pay off for Oxy's Occidental Chemical transportation...
    249455233 | Siwakorn Klomwinyarn | Dreamstime.com
    trucking internal promotions
    By recognizing and developing your internal talent today, you lay the foundation for stronger, smarter fleet operations tomorrow.
    ID 119046131 © Jonathan Weiss | Dreamstime.com
    English language proficiency support
    A FleetOwner survey illustrates how industry readers view the government renewed English language proficiency enforcement. Respondents overwhelmingly support ELP in out-of-service...