Resolve, To Require the Department of Transportation To Establish a Working Group To Examine Weight Limits for Tractor-trailers with Different Axle Spacings

Sec. 1. Working group to examine weight limits for tractor-trailers with different axle spacings. Resolved: That the Department of Transportation, referred to in this resolve as "the department," shall convene a working group to examine amending the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 2365 to include greater flexibility in axle spacing and weight limits for the combination vehicle consisting of a 4-axle single unit truck operating in combination with a 2-axle trailer, which has a gross allowable weight of 94,000 pounds. The working group shall review the option and practice of allowing other axle spacing configurations that when loaded to maximum weight remain within legal limits; and be it further

Sec. 2. Participants. Resolved: That the department shall work with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, members of the Maine Forest Products Council and the Maine Motor Transport Association when conducting the study under section 1; and be it further

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That, by January 15, 2016, the department shall submit a written report of the findings under this resolve and any recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation. The Joint Standing Committee on Transportation may submit a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 127th Legislature relating to the subject matter of this report.

summary

This resolve directs the Department of Transportation to convene a working group to examine amending the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 2365 to include greater flexibility in axle spacing and weight limits for the combination vehicle consisting of a 4-axle single unit truck operating in combination with a 2-axle trailer, which has a gross allowable weight of 94,000 pounds. It directs the department to report to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation no later than January 15, 2016 and gives the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation authority to submit a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 127th Legislature relating to the subject matter of this report.