Excerpts From the Journal of Commerce
Under the proposed legislation, states would decide whether to allow 97,000-pound trucks on highways
A bill introduced in the Senate Thursday would raise the heavy truck weight limit to 97,000 pounds, breaking a 20-year federal freeze on truck sizes imposed in the surface transportation law of 1991. The bill would give states the authority to lift the 80,000 pound gross vehicle weight limit, but only for tractor-trailers with six axles instead of the usual five.
EMFRC has followed this issue carefully. While on the surface, the increase in weight vs size would appear to provide for significant productivity gains and help intermodal freight, there are offsetting safety concerns and additional strain on highways and in particular, bridges. We don't see any requirement for tractor braking capabilities that go along with the increased weight, for example.
The rail industry and many consumer safety groups oppose heavier trucks.
Upcoming Events
HAPPENING NOW!
Stakeholder's conference call. Interested parties please feel free to call in at:
218-936-7979 Access Code: 425640
The Rail Plan Public Hearing will be held, Thursday, September 16th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Union Station Intermodal Transportation Center, Union Hall (Second Floor), 2 Washington Square, Worcester, MA
Monday, September 20th, 12:00 NOON
Monday, September 20th, 12:00 NOON
Freight Rail Discussion - New England Rail Coalition-Freight Committee and Eastern Massachusetts Freight Rail Coalition - "Joint Caucus on Feedback to MassDOT on the Massachusetts Freight Rail Plan.
Stakeholder's conference call. Interested parties please feel free to call in at:
218-936-7979 Access Code: 425640
Our "Top 10" List...
- Drive Regional Economic Development -- Transportation Infrastructure as an Enabler...
- Address Growing Traffic Congestion in Metro-West and I-495 Corridor
- Provide MassDOT with Broad-Based Views within the Community of Transportation Users, Providers, and Host Communities
- Freight Distribution Capacity Within the 128 Belt
- Support Carrier Partnerships: Line Haul/Short Line Railroads, Truck/Rail, Ocean/Truck/Rail
- Joint Freight/Passenger use of Underutilized Rail Lines
- Reduce Sprawl Through Multi-Use Corridor Development
- Promote Green Transpoortation Initiatives
- Support Competition and Freight Transportation Options
- Promote Intermodal Transportation
Freight Rail Impact
One million+ additional truck trips would be needed to handle freight moved in Massachusetts by rail each year
If moved by highway, added pavement damage would = $32 million each year
Congestion cost to commuters = $15 million each year
Costs related to emissions, noise, traffic accidents = $10 million each year
Costs above = $57 million - reflect social benefits realized in MA
If moved by highway, added pavement damage would = $32 million each year
Congestion cost to commuters = $15 million each year
Costs related to emissions, noise, traffic accidents = $10 million each year
Costs above = $57 million - reflect social benefits realized in MA
Rail Reduces Congestion
Every railcar trip removes approximately three truck trips from congested highways
About EMFRC
EMFRC is an independent body formed to: "Provided the region with an open forum to build consensus among private sector freight interests -- including shippers, carriers and related services -- in order to advise the public sector regarding policy, regulatory issues and the infrastructure investments needed for an efficient, balanced freight transportation system in Eastern Massachusetts.
We are focused on education and outreach to demonstrate how freight rail transportation can reduce traffic congestion -- particularly within the I-495 belt -- reduce greenhouse gasses and emissions and support growth and economic development in the Eastern Massachusetts area.
With increased focus on passenger and commuter rail, now is the time to ensure we best utilize the rail assets for safe and efficient movement of both people and goods throughout the region.
We are focused on education and outreach to demonstrate how freight rail transportation can reduce traffic congestion -- particularly within the I-495 belt -- reduce greenhouse gasses and emissions and support growth and economic development in the Eastern Massachusetts area.
With increased focus on passenger and commuter rail, now is the time to ensure we best utilize the rail assets for safe and efficient movement of both people and goods throughout the region.
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