Alternatives to Weight Tolerance Permits

009291282000PDFTech ReportReport No. FHWA/TX-00/0-4036-1Project 0-4036Heavy duty trucksPermitsLegislationGross vehicle weightRecommendationsGlobal Positioning SystemOverweight permit systemTexasTruck impactsTruck weight permitsWeight limitsTexasUnited StatesUniversity of Texas at Austin. Center for Transportation ResearchLuskin, David L.Harrison, RobertWalton, C. M.Zhang, ZhanminJamieson Jr., Jerry L.University of Texas at Austin. Center for Transportation ResearchTexas. Dept. of TransportationUS Transportation CollectionA complex web of government regulations in the United States establishes maximum weights for vehicles on public roads. The primary purpose is to ensure compatibility of roadway design and operations with vehicle weight and dimensions. Of particular concern are the roadway impacts of heavy trucks, which far exceed those of passenger cars. As a rule of thumb, an "eighteen-wheeler" truck that weighs 80,000 lbs has the same pavement impact as about 9,200 cars traveling the same distance. The use of heavier vehicles often produces savings in transportation costs. As load capacity increases, a truck can make the same number of deliveries in fewer trips; this produces savings in driver labor, in vehicle wear and tear, and in other inputs. The challenge in vehicle weight regulation is finding the right balance between allowing these savings in transportation costs and preserving the roads and bridges. The trend has been toward higher limits, with a significant jump in 1974 when the maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) allowed on interstate highways rose from 73,280 lbs to the current 80,000 lbs. Such reforms have gained momentum from various studies that have found the benefits to exceed the costs. In 1989, the Texas legislature passed HB 2060 creating an annual permit for a vehicle to operate above the general legal weight limits. The name "2060" has stuck to the permit, despite later amendments under HB 1547 (enacted in 1995). This report examines this controversial permit and makes recommendations for modifying current truck weight regulations in Texas.88