The Directory for Transportation

7/7/07
Both parties in Congress are working on a bill that would increase federal weight limits and fuel-efficiency mandates for heavy trucks.  The Security and Fuel Efficiency (SAFE) Energy Act was introduced in mid-March.  If it passes, the bill would authorize the U.S. Department of Transportation to "increase freight efficiency by raising the maximum allowable gross weight for highway vehicles from 80,000 to 97,000 pounds, so long as road safety is not compromised." 

Additionally, the bill demands an additional increase in fuel economy of four percent for all new vehicles, including heavy trucks, from 2012 to 2030.