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Trucking Industry Attempt Thwarted

We recognize that there was considerable interest in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) public hearing regarding transparency in towing fees and that not everyone was able to attend. For those who would like to watch the hearing, the FMCSA recently posted a recording of the session here.

 

In addition to TRAA's participation in the hearing, TRAA is working with our affiliate state associations who would like to submit public comments to FMCSA. We believe that comments from state towing associations will play an important role in informing FMCSA's actions. We are committed to take every action we can to ensure that the towing voice is heard and heeded by federal regulatory agencies. 

 

In addition to efforts regarding “predatory towing”, the trucking industry has made numerous attempts to increase truck weight and size. They have proposed the creation of a “pilot program” to allow any state to increase truck weights for 10 years on their interstates from 80,000 pounds to 91,000 pounds. They have also proposed legislation to increase limits for auto carriers from 80,000 pounds to 88,000 pounds. Finally, the trucking industry is also attempting to add an amendment to the pending Farm Bill reauthorization which would dramatically increase the load shift axle variance for trucks carrying dry bulk cargo. 

 

TRAA has partnered with the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks (CABT) and other stakeholders to oppose these efforts. TRAA was a signatory on a letter to the Appropriation Committee opposing language that would increase truck size and weight. Earlier this week, the House Appropriations Committee passed the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill. As a result of TRAA's partnership with other stakeholders, we were able to block all the language that would allow an increase in truck size or weight.

  

Please do not hesitate to contact TRAA with any questions. 

 

Sincerely,

David J. Garriepy

Vice President, Government Affairs

Tremont Strategies Group (TSG)

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Who We Are

TRAA is the national association representing the U.S. towing and recovery industry. We act as the "voice of America's towing industry" by offering representation, education, and leadership at the federal level. Much of our focus is on representing the interests of the towing and recovery industry on Capitol Hill including promoting positive legislation and opposing potentially negative legislation. TRAA is the industry's watchdog on Capitol Hill!