Bill aims to benefit truckers

     AUGUSTA – As the nation continues to struggle with skyrocketing fuel prices, members of the Legislature and Governor Baldacci are proposing a measure to help ease the pressure on Maine loggers and commercial truckers for the forest products industry by allowing a temporary weight limit increase through the winter months.
     Aroostook County Reps are co-sponsoring a bill proposed by the governor, Rep. Boyd Marley, D-Portland, and Sen. Elizabeth Schneider, D-Penobscot County that would allow a 5 percent increase in the amount of weight that loggers and truckers carrying forest products are allowed to carry, in order to consolidate loads and save fuel costs.  The forest products industry – which is a major economic driver for the state – has been hit particularly hard by rising fuel prices, as drivers in the independent trucking network hauling fiber from the woods to processing are unable to pass the cost of higher fuel through because they had signed the contracts previously. 
     Without the ability to carry more with each load, some truckers are simply losing money by going to work.
     "Given the tough time truckers are having with astronomical fuel prices, easing the weight restrictions on state roads north of Augusta would allow truckers to save a little time and money by using these routes," said Rep. Troy Jackson, D-Allagash.
     Current state law sets a weight limit of 100,000 lbs. for 6-axle tractor-trailers operating on Maine roads and bridges. The bill would allow a temporary increase to 105,000 pounds until April 1, as the governor’s office and committee members’ research indicates that Maine’s roads and bridges can tolerate the increase for short durations.
     “This bill is a must given the vital role trucking plays in local industry,” said Rep. Ken Theriault, D-Madawaska.  “The high cost of diesel fuel is taking its toll on the sustainability of the businesses in the area.”
     The bill was proposed based in part on the work of a bipartisan group of legislators, including members of the Transportation committee who had been working with Governor Baldacci’s Office and members of the trucking and forest products industry to address the issues the industry has been facing this winter due to record fuel costs. 
     “Small business owners have approached me about the need for higher weight allowances for trucks,” said Rep. Richard Cleary, D-Houlton.  “More weight means more cargo.  We have a responsibility to ensure that truckers can get the greatest benefit out of each load they haul.”
     The legislation, LD 2155, will have a hearing in the Transportation Committee before it makes its way back to both chambers for passage, and Marley – who is also the House Chair of the Committee – said that the Committee will take up the bill as soon as possible. Since the proposal has been designated emergency legislation, it would go into effect immediately after Governor Baldacci signs it into law.