The Coalition for Transportation Productivity, a group of more than 160 shippers and allied associations dedicated to responsibly increasing federal weight limits on interstate highways, announced a merger with Americans for Safe and Efficient Transportation.


The organizations will unite under the name CTP, bringing about 40 new shippers, carriers and organizations into the group. CTP will continue to promote the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act, House and Senate legislation that would permit states to raise interstate weight limits.

The Safe and Efficient Transportation Act (H.R. 1799 / S. 3705) would permit states to set interstate weight limits of up to 97,000 pounds for trucks equipped with six axles instead of the typical five. (See "New Legislation Would Allow States to Raise Truck Weight Limits," 8/6/2010)

SETA was originally introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Michael Michaud (D-ME) and Jean Schmidt (R-OH). It currently has 54 cosponsors. In August, Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced identical Senate legislation.

"ASET is proud to be part of CTP, and looks forward to the passage of SETA and the creation of a safer, more efficient transportation network," said Walter Bay, chairman of ASET and president and CEO of Tandem Transport. "Our united effort, combined with strong bipartisan support in the House and Senate, positions SETA to finally move forward in the next Congress."

Under the merger, ASET and CTP will combine their executive committees and membership, expanding CTP to more than 200 members. Veteran government relations strategist John Runyan will continue as CTP's Executive Director. ASET's former executive director, Jake Jacoby, has accepted the position of Vice President for the Truck Renting & Leasing Association.