Michigan changes law restricting truck size
Michigan changes law restricting truck size
Created: Thursday, August 2nd, 2012 04:01 pm
Officials in Michigan recently changed a law regulating the size of semi-trucks and trailers after realizing that the law did not reflect regulations in other states and in Canada, according to Northwest Michigan’s Second Wave.
The law was deemed outdated because modern technology and a competitive market required greater trucking capacity. The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in the change. The chamber of commerce brought the issue to the attention of Senator Tom Casperson, who sponsored the reformed law, before it was signed by the Lt. Governor Brian Calley.
Senate Bill 0582 “Amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow a truck tractor and lowboy semitrailer combination of any length to operate on a designated highway, subject to certain conditions,” Michigan Center for Trucking Safety reported.
After completing CDL training, drivers will be able to drive a truck tractor of any length. The lowboy semitrailer, however, or flatbed semitrailer used for loading and loading, must not be over 59 feet long, according to the source.
The new law is good news for trucking companies in and around Michigan, as trucks will be able to save an estimated 15 percent to 20 percent on transportation costs.
Related Articles
Thursday, December 27th, 2012
As 2012 comes to a close, trucking executives and fleet managers are trying to anticipate what the key issues facing the industry will be in 2013.
Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
The New Jersey Assembly is targeting trucking companies for improperly listing professional drivers who have completed CDL training as independent contractors.
Wednesday, August 8th, 2012
The New York State Thruway Authority proposed a 45 percent increase in toll prices, which will take effect in October if the plan is implemented.
By June 30, the current federal transportation bill will expire, prompting groups of transportation and trucker safety advocates to call upon lawmakers to renew the safety advances in the Senate version of the legislation.
