January 26 - The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is asking state legislature to increase permitted tandem axle weight to 46,000 lbs (20.8 tonnes), up from 40,000 lbs (18.1 tonnes), informs the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA).
Other than Iowa, Nebraska and Oklahoma, states across the nation permit 43,000 lbs (19.5 tonnes) and most allow 46,000 lbs (20.8 tonnes), according to the Iowa DOT.
SC&RA previously joined with the Iowa Motor Truck Association and the Associated General Contractors of Iowa in a presentation to the Iowa DOT explaining the need for the change.
Iowa DOT agreed with the presentation's main point that the lower weight allowance makes it more costly to do business, which is putting Iowa at a competitive disadvantage.
"This will resolve the issue for the majority of freight carriers, especially those hauling construction equipment and machinery from manufacturing plants in Iowa," said the Iowa DOT.
