Longer Combination Trucks: Potential Infrastructure Impacts, Productivity Benefits, and Safety Concerns
RCED-94-106
Published: Aug 09, 1994. Publicly Released: Aug 09, 1994.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a legislative requirement, GAO reviewed the economic and safety impacts of expanding longer combination vehicles (LCV) operations, focusing on: (1) LCV effects on highway infrastructure; (2) the potential benefits from and industry's use of LCV; and (3) LCV safety concerns.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| If Congress wishes to allow expanded use of LCV, it should authorize the Secretary of Transportation to consider exceptions to the freeze on LCV expansion only if requested by states and accompanied by: (1) a state analysis of each proposed route to demonstrate its suitability in terms of the density of traffic, condition of bridges, and adequacy of interchanges--states should determine whether additional infrastructure costs would be generated and how these costs would be recovered; and (2) a certification that the state will enforce qualification standards for LCV drivers, ensure adequate inspection of LCV equipment, and monitor the experience of LCV to identify any emerging safety problems or negligent carriers. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
The Administration does not plan to address the issue of longer combination vehicles as part of the reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. Individual members of Congress may propose to amend the reauthorization bill in Committee or on the floor. |
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Cost controlFreight transportationHighway safetyInterchanges and intersectionsMotor vehiclesSafety regulationShipping industryTraffic regulationTransportation costsTransportation safetyTrucking operationsRoad repairs