RSI: Tell Congress ‘No’ to bigger, heavier trucks

Not taking initial success for granted, the Railway Supply Institute on Wednesday sent a message to its “contact officers” urging them to spread the concern about potential increases in truck sizes and weight "to your employees at your facilities throughout the United States," which RSI believes the full House of Representatives may still consider. "Make no mistake—if this legislation passes it will adversely affect our industry and our nation's infrastructure," RSI said.

RSI says that despite an initial rejection Feb. 2 of a proposal to increase truck sizes and weights by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, amendments attempting to reintroduce such provisions are likely when legislation comes before the full House, which could occur as early as next week.

“If your employees make calls to their Members of Congress it will help drive home the message that an increase in truck sizes and weights would be to the detriment of the rail supply industry which employs thousands throughout the United States,” RSI said. “It is important to galvanize support throughout the industry and in as many Congressional Districts as possible.

“Some RSI member companies set up calling stations from their facilities to make calls to Members of Congress. This is an option to consider,” RSI said.

RSI President Tom Simpson, interviewed by Railway Age, said RSI has been joined in this effort by the Association of American Railroads and the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks.

“Please help us keep the pressure on your Members of Congress by urging your employees to call and ask them to vote ‘no’ on bigger trucks,” RSI said. “They can call the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks toll free hot line to be patched through to their Member of Congress at 1-855-284-4874.”