Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/588192
NEWS & NOTES 14 // OWNER OPERATOR // NOVEMBER 2015 XPO team to complete the transaction and ensure a smooth transition." Legislation proposed to allow 91,000-pound trucks on U.S. highways By Matt Cole On September 10, U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wisc.) introduced the latest version of his Safe, Flexible and Efficient Trucking Act (Safe Trucking Act), which would give states the flexibility to allow 91,000-pound trucks with six axles on U.S. Interstate highways within their borders. "Having the sixth axle is critical to weight displacement and braking power," Ribble said. "The interstates are the safest and most efficient places for trucks to move." The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, has said it opposed the legisla- tion. OOIDA generally opposes allowance of larger or heavier trucks due to safety concerns and their impact on infrastructure. Reid, however, said that the U.S. Depart- ment of Transportation's recent Truck Size and Weight Study concluded a 91,000-pound configuration would be suitable for the current Interstate system, resulting in no additional rehabilitation costs for the roads or bridges. I-55 rest area converted to trucks only parking area By Deanne Winslett A public rest area on Interstate 55 North in Fruitland, Mo. is getting a $65,000 conversion into a trucks-only parking area, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Rickabaugh said the department has tried to keep the truck parking area open since the fire Ribble, at a press conference, said increasing the weight limit to 91,000 pounds with six axles would increase the industry's productivity by increasing ca- pacity. It would also reduce congestion and boost safety, he said. DeAnne Rickabaugh, project manager for MoDOT Motor Carrier Services, said an electrical fire caused extensive damage to a building at the facility, located at mile marker 108. The department looked at the area and determined the cost for potential rebuilding was impractical, and made the decision to convert the rest area into trucks-only parking because it was more cost effective.