Trucks weighing up to 88,000 pounds can travel on specific non-interstate routes in Florida, as of yesterday.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist signed the new comprehensive transportation plan into law last month, which included a provision to boost truck weight limits from 80,000 pounds to 88,000 pounds. The law was effective July 1.

Loads on interstates will continue to be limited to 80,000 pounds. The legislation also provides a 400-pound weight allowance for trucks equipped with anti-idling devices, such as auxiliary power units. Another provision calls for shippers to sign indemnification agreements as part of their contract agreements. Currently 19 other states have enacted similar anti-indemnification laws, including several states neighboring Florida.

While safety groups urged Crist to veto the bill, the Florida Trucking Association and the American Trucking Associations were supportive of these provisions. ATA President and CEO Bill Graves sent a letter on behalf of ATA and the FTA, urging Crist to sign the bill. Graves said the bill's provision to align Florida policy with that of neighboring states by allowing more productive commercial vehicles, will make the state more attractive to business and competitive with surrounding states.

"Allowing more productive commercial vehicles will reduce fuel consumption and thereby reduce greenhouse emissions," Graves said. Alleviating traffic congestion through a reduction in the number of commercial vehicles traveling on the state's highways is also a positive for the motoring public's safety and individual productivity, the letter said.

The Associated Industries of Florida issued a call to action, urging Crist to sign. The organization said the law would reduce traffice, improve commuter travel, reduce transport costs, boost fuel efficiency and improve air quality.

However, some safety groups believe the weight increase will make Florida's roadways more hazardous and damage the state's infrastructure.

"This weight increase not only damages Florida's transportation infrastructure, but also threatens people's lives," said Tom Guilmet, the executive director of the Florida Safety Council and member of the Florida Coalition for Safe Highways. "The added weight certainly impacts a truck's ability to safely maneuver on our roads, yet this legislation does nothing to require trucking operators to increase safety precautions. The amount of damage to our roads will also radically increase while failing to offer any solution to appropriately fund the resulting road repair and maintenance."

"HB 1271 will risk the safety of Florida's citizens and the stability of our state's roadways," said Todd Soard, Ph.D., president of the Florida Association of Professional EMTs and Paramedics. "The most compelling objection to heavier trucks is the fact that they will cause more deaths and injuries on our highways. The risks to our state in terms of motorist safety and road maintenance have been negligently overlooked by lawmakers."

To see Graves' letter to Crist, click here.