In brief: truck weights, lack of parking and fuel taxes.

The latest and most relevant issues in the U.S. trucking industry.

Debate over increasing truck weight limits in the U.S.

Congress is preparing to draft a new highway bill, under pressure from major trucking companies to raise the federal truck weight limit from the current 80,000 pounds to 91,000 pounds. However, this proposal faces strong opposition from the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks (CABT) and more than 20 organizations, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA).

Among the main arguments from the opposition, the CABT warns that heavier trucks significantly increase the risk of accidents and accelerate infrastructure deterioration. It is estimated that raising the weight limit could endanger between 65,000 and 82,000 local bridges, with repair or replacement costs reaching up to $98.6 billion.

From a law enforcement perspective, former police chief Steve Casstevens warned that crashes involving heavy trucks have severe impacts not only on infrastructure but also on emergency services and communities.

Lewie Pugh, vice president of OOIDA, stated that these proposals benefit a few major players in the trucking industry at the expense of road safety and the well-being of truckers, most of whom oppose the change.

CABT and its allies reaffirmed their commitment to fight any legislative attempt to increase truck weight limits.

Nevada truckers threaten surcharge over parking shortage

The Hispanic Truckers Association of Nevada has warned that it will impose a $500 surcharge on deliveries in Clark County if the ongoing shortage of truck parking is not resolved soon. They accuse county authorities of blocking the development of new parking lots due to outdated zoning regulations and bureaucracy, according to LandLine.

Currently, many drivers are forced to park illegally, risking $500 fines, and report being victims of theft and vandalism due to a lack of secure parking areas. The situation, unchanged since at least 2019, has led truckers to demand fewer bureaucratic hurdles, an end to penalties, and reimbursement for fines issued since that year.

Truckers are threatening to impose the surcharge as a form of pressure if no action is taken before July 1.

States advance measures to boost transportation revenue

Several U.S. states have passed or proposed measures to increase funding for transportation, mainly through fuel tax hikes. So far, 18 initiatives have been approved that will generate over $7 billion, according to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. States taking action, as reported by LandLine, include:

Washington

The gas tax will increase by 6 cents, and the diesel tax will gradually rise to match it. The plan is expected to generate $3.2 billion over six years, with tax rates adjusted for inflation starting in 2026.

Mississippi

Starting July 1, the fuel tax will gradually rise from 18 to 27 cents per gallon by 2027, with most revenue allocated to the Department of Transportation. Biennial inflation adjustments will begin in 2029.

Ohio

The new $11 billion transportation budget does not include fuel tax increases but allocates $150 million to build truck parking facilities.

Michigan

The House approved a $3.1 billion plan that would eliminate the 6% sales tax on fuel and replace it with an increased excise tax, raising rates to 51 cents starting in October. Inflation adjustments would begin in 2026.

Oregon

Democrats proposed a phased 20-cent increase in the gas tax, reaching 60 cents by 2032, along with inflation adjustments and a higher weight-mile tax. Republicans presented an alternative plan without new taxes, focusing on essential DOT functions.