Does the Public Benefit from Size and Weight Restrictions?

THIS paper describes how present size and weight regulations are based on capacities of inadequate highways, or on various arbitrary bridge formulas, or sometimes both. Within a state, contradictory weight limits often are prescribed; and uniformity from state to state is noticeably lacking.

Adapting the demand for bigger trucks and trailers for hauling more payload to the various size and weight limitations has resulted in some improvements in truck design. But what are needed are consistent regulations based on logic and fact to encourage designers to produce safer and more efficient vehicles - thus promoting the public interest.

As the regulations stand now, Mr. Horine says, they do not benefit the public.