The State of U.S. Waterways

STC examined the effects of increasing truck weight limits on federal highways in its project, titled “Heavier Semis: A Good Idea?” Funded by the soybean checkoff, it’s an update of a 2009 report that looks at the impact of increasing truck weight limits on federal roads and bridges from the current 80,000 lbs., with a five axle configuration to 97,000 lbs., with the addition of a sixth axle. The analysis specifically looked at the impacts on motorist safety, infrastructure wear and tear, and potential cost savings and efficiency gains for agriculture and the U.S. economy.

The STC study justifies that increasing trucking capacity can be done with no adverse impact to safety while providing significant economic benefits. According to the study, allowing six axle, 97,000 lbs. semis will result in fewer semis on the road compared to the ­status quo and fewer trucks on the road will result in fewer accidents and injuries. Additionally, the braking distance of a six axle truck weighing 97,000 lbs. is the same as a five axle, 80,000 lbs. truck. These are results that have been proven by real-world experience in other countries such as Canada and the U.K. that have implemented higher truck weight limits and seen a reduction in truck-related accidents. The STC study projects such an approach in the U.S. will result in 98 fewer motorist fatalities by 2022.

For transporting soybeans and soy products, allowing six axle, 97,000 lbs. semis will result in 1.2 million fewer truck trips, 5.5 million fewer gallons of fuel consumed, 56,000 fewer tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and from $11 million to $28 million in reduced fuel costs. The use of a six axle, 97,000 lb. semi will enable a farmer to transport at minimum an additional 183 bushels of soybeans per load. By 2022, this will annually save soybean farmers 602,000 truck trips, 1.7 million gallons of fuel, and from $4 million to $8 million in reduced fuel costs.—FQ&S