Longer Combination Vehicles
Potential Infrastructure Impacts, Productivity Benefits, and Safety Concerns Gao ID: T-RCED-94-306 September 14, 1994At least 14 states and six turnpike authorities allow limited operations of long multiple-trailer trucks commonly referred to as longer combination vehicles. The vehicles can transport a cargo at less cost than can shorter combinations because fewer tractors and drivers are needed and less fuel is used. This testimony focuses on three longer combination vehicle issues: (1) the economic impact on infrastructure--pavements, bridges, and interchanges--that result from expanded longer combination vehicle operations; (2) the potential benefits from and industry's use of longer combination vehicles; and (3) the safety of longer combination vehicle use.