A coalition of shippers, motor carriers, manufacturers and others is hosting meetings in Washington, D.C., this week to urge Congress to adopt several demonstration pilot projects related to larger trucks in the upcoming congressional highway reauthorization bill.


The current highway bill is scheduled to expire in September of 2009 and deliberations and hearings have just begun on crafting the next bill's priorities.

Americans for Safe and Efficient Transportation is targeting Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Carolina and Georgia. A sixth state - Texas - remains a strong possibility to be added. These states were chosen in part because of their economic base for ASET's membership but also because of their distinction of having a port or border issue.

The group believes that because Canada, Mexico and most of Europe operate heavier trucks on six axles, the U.S. is at a competitive disadvantage. Giving cross-border help to those moving between Minnesota, Wisconsin and Maine and the Canadian border will address this issue on a small scale - as will giving the ports in South Carolina and Georgia access to heavier containers coming into their ports.

The Teamsters union released a statement criticizing the group's efforts.

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa on Wednesday urged Congress to ignore trucking industry lobbyists who want to let dangerous large trucks on our highways.

"The idea of letting bigger trucks on the road is just crazy," Hoffa said. "They're extremely dangerous and they ruin our roads and bridges, which are already in bad shape."

"I can't imagine a worse time to promote this idea. Our infrastructure is falling apart and the highway fund is running out of money, and they want to allow trucks that do more damage to roads and bridges?" Hoffa said.