RSI: Help address truck weight/size threat

On Jan. 3 the Railway Supply Institute noted a lobbying effort by the trucking industry could encourage Congress to increase truck sizes and/or truck weight on the nation's roadways in the next surface transportation bill, now being considered; in both the House and the Senate.RSI calls this effort "the biggest threat we have seen in more than 20 years." 

RSI warns, “Railroad supply companies across America will feel the affect if truck weights are increased.”

 “If this legislation passes, railroads could lose 19% of their business to heavily subsidized truck operations, not to mention severe wear and tear on the nation’s bridges and increased accidents. If that happens, all of us will be impacted.”

RSI is urging all railroad suppliers “and your employees join our industry grassroots effort by contacting your Member of Congress and letting them know that not only are bigger trucks more dangerous, but that they could put your company and its jobs at risk.”

RSI says studies have shown that, besides reducing overall Class I traffic by 19%, an increase in truck weight from 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds would have a serious adverse impact on freight rail operations of all kinds, cutting short line merchandise traffic by 44% and overall short line traffic by 17%, and reducing Class I merchandise traffic by 50%.