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Have you ever wondered who is responsible for the size and weight limit of the thousands of trucks traveling the highways and interstates throughout the United States? The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Freight Management and Operations is responsible for establishing and enforcing heavy truck size and weight standards on the interstate.  Vehicle class and weight standards are illustrated in the chart below.

This past October, The American Transportation Research Institute released their annual survey of the top 10 critical issues the trucking industry is faced with.

In today’s world everyone seems to be connected to the internet. Even the nations over the road truck drivers can stay connected when they are on the road several states away from their home base. Smart phones, tablets, and on-board computers keep today's drivers constantly connected to the office and dispatchers. Almost all major truck stops offer free Wi-Fi for their customers inside travel centers. Truck stops will charge an additional fee if the driver prefers Wi-Fi access in their truck while resting. Either in the travel center store or inside the truck, instant communication is a reality in today’s over the road transportation industry.

If you drive the major highways anywhere in the United States, you are certainly aware of toll highways. Tolls not only increase the cost of passenger car trips but also impact the freight cost to transport products by truck throughout the United States. The toll money collected from toll payments helps pay for road maintenance, rest areas, grass mowing, road salting and snow removal (in the northern states). States are rapidly investing in toll booth modernization and the implementation of cashless toll booths, E-Z Pass technology and license plate photos are all ways to reduce toll collection costs and increase the flow of traffic for all vehicles. 

Monday September 23, 2019 was officially the first day of autumn. It won’t be long before overnight temperatures in the northeast drop into the 30’s and begin to impact vehicle operating performance. The winter season will soon follow and bring us the annual snow, ice, and freezing rain that will make travelling on the highways an adventure.