Issue: Should the federal government increase the maximum weight on single-trailer trucks traveling on interstate highways from 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds by adding a sixth axle?

Versus

Reduce consumption by 2 billion gallons of diesel per year Reduction of $2.4 billion in pavement restoration costs over the next 20 years on interstate Allows American producers to reduce the number of shipments needed to deliver a fixed amount of goods - making them more productive and competitive Since the U.K. raised its weight limit to 97,000 pounds for six-axle vehicles in 2001, fatal truck-related accidents have declined by 35% Talking Points

Additional cost of repairing bridge damage of $3 billion Currently trucks pay 80% of damage they cause – by raising the limit from 80,000 to 97,000 pounds they will cover only 50% of the damage To break even on repair costs 97,000 lb trucks would need to pay an $1.17 per gallon in fuel tax

NLC opposes increases in truck weight limits unless and until such increases are accompanied by simultaneous and sufficient increases in the heavy truck- user tax. No state laws have been introduced to raise weight limits on state and local roads A federal issue pitting railroads versus trucks