A provision allowing heavier trucks to operate on Vermont highways was signed into law by Governor Jim Douglas Wednesday
Vermont Approves Legislation to Test Heavy Trucks
A provision allowing heavier trucks to operate on Vermont highways was signed into law by Governor Jim Douglas Wednesda
by Staff
January 15, 2010
The legislation ups the weight limits for heavy trucks in Vermont from the previous 80,000 pounds gross weight.
1 min to read
, according to Today's Trucking.
Under a one-year pilot program, truck drivers will be able to operate trucks weighing up to 100,000 pounds on interstate roads and bridges in Vermont, rather than just local roads. The current Vermont limit for truck weights is 80,000 pounds gross weight.
Vermont signed it into law after Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) added Vermont to a provision that's part of the FY2010 Transportation Appropriations bill. The provision, which includes Maine, eases weight limits for truck drivers in both states.
The bill requires Vermont to submit a report to Congress evaluating the effects of the pilot program on highway safety, bridge and road durability, commerce, truck volumes, and energy use.
However, safety advocates have been fighting the weight measure, saying that larger rigs damage interstate highways and threaten safety. The Truck Safety Coalition believes the legislation will further deteriorate Vermont's interstate highways and bridges by adding the extra weight.
More Drivers
FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again
Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.
Read More →
Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info
Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.
Read More →
Western Star Showcases Truckers' Pride and Skill
Western Star is expanding its Star Nation Experience in 2026, adding new competitions and dealer participation to highlight operator skills and promote careers in trucking.
Read More →
Best Fleets to Drive For: Two Carriers Earn Overall Award for First Time
CarriersEdge announced the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For overall winners, with Crawford Trucking, Fortigo Freight Services, and FTC Transportation receiving top awards.
Read More →
Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training
The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.
Read More →
Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal
For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.
Read More →
FMCSA Reinstates Field Warrior ELD to Registered Device List
One electronic logging device has been reinstated to the FMCSA's list of registered ELDs.
Read More →
How One Company is Using Smart Suspension Technology to Reduce Driver Injuries and Improve Retention
America’s Service Line adopted Link’s SmartValve and ROI Cabmate systems to address whole-body vibration, repetitive strain, and driver turnover. The trucking fleet is already seeing measurable results.
Read More →
CarriersEdge Announces 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For
The 18th annual contest recognizing the best workplaces for truck drivers sees changes to Top 20, Hall of Fame
Read More →
FMCSA Targets 550+ ‘Sham’ CDL Schools in Nationwide Sting Operation
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued more than 550 notices of proposed removal to commercial driver training providers following a five-day nationwide enforcement sweep. Investigators cited unqualified instructors, improper training vehicles, and failure to meet federal and state requirements.
Read More →