The Truckload Carriers Assn. is gearing up to fight New York City trailer length ordinances the group says is costing trucking companies thousands of dollars.

According to the group's newsletter, a 1962 law limits trailer length to 45 feet, trailer width to 8 feet, overall vehicle combination length to 55 feet, and gross vehicle weight to 73,280 pounds, unless operated on Interstate 95 or other designated highways.
One tractor-trailer can get four citations for the same offense, with fines ranging from $100 to $250 per violation. TCA says stepped-up enforcement is aimed at the carrier and is often characterized as a criminal violation.
In late 1999, TCA sand New York State Motor Truck Assn. representatives met with city officials, without much luck. Recent reports indicate vehicles with standard 53-foot trailers are again being targeted, so TCA is getting ready to address the issue again. This time, the group will focus on New York City-based shippers and receivers who might agree to appear before the New York City Council and help lobby to bring the city's length, width and weight restrictions into conformity with the rest of the country.
TCA is asking its members for information on their operations in New York City, including the names of the shippers and receivers and any citations received.
For more information, contact TCA at rrothstein@truckload.org.