The Georgia General Assembly appears poised to push through legislation that would increase the maximum weight of forestry, agricultural, and mining loads from 80,000 to 88,000 on its highways.
Known as House Bill 189, the measure had already been pared down from 90,000 to 84,000 pounds. The Bill also opened the door for heavy-duty trucks adding a third axle to increase the capacity of certain trucks. It passed on a narrow 93-81 vote before heading to Georgia’s Senate.
Members of the state’s Senate Transportation Committee tweaked it up to 88,000 before approving the measure on a 7-4 vote. It is expected to head to the state’s Senate floor for open debate. Insiders anticipate the measure will pass and the House would approve any reasonable changes. Given Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s position on upping truck limits, it could become law very soon.
Reports indicate Gov. Kemp allowed special permits for trucking operations to move loads as heavy as 95,000 pounds under a supply chain emergency order. Upwards of 6,500 forestry trucks reportedly obtained these special permits in 2022.
Logging, mining, and agricultural businesses have been proponents of these increases. They point out that the state and country suffer a shortage of qualified truck drivers. Larger loads mean fewer hauls and that is considered an economic and pragmatic solution for these vital industries.
“You have no choice if the economics says you have to cut a corner, should I hire a less qualified driver, or buy a truck without this safety equipment on it that is old and has problems with it?” Johnathan Parker, owner of Good Forty Land & Timber, reportedly said.
Truckers hauling these types of loads already have the option to apply for a variance to haul loads up to 84,000 pounds. Neighboring Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee allow truckloads of 88,000 pounds. Opponents of the heavier legal limits point to potential safety risks. Adding weight to Class 8 commercial motor vehicles also lengthens the distance needed to come to a full stop.
“This bill is literally like saying let’s let the biggest vehicles on the road drive a little bit faster (downhill) than the other vehicles. My life and that of every other member of my family has never been the same since that day and I don’t want that to happen to other Georgia families,” Steve Owings reportedly said. He lost a family member in a truck collision before joining Road Safe America.
https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2023/03/17/big-truck-weight-limit-increase-could-pass-georgia/
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