# Plain Language Summary: Freedom to Haul Act

This bill makes it easier for certain large trucks to operate on interstate highways by relaxing weight restrictions. Specifically, it allows five-axle tractor-trailer combinations (the big rigs you see hauling cargo across the country) to operate on interstate highways even in areas where they're currently prohibited, as long as they meet specific requirements. The truck must weigh no more than 97,000 pounds, have three rear axles on the tractor portion, and comply with existing rules about weight distribution across individual axles and bridge formulas.

The practical effect is that trucking companies would have more flexibility in routing their vehicles and could potentially use heavier loads on interstate highways than current law allows. This could benefit the trucking industry by allowing them to haul more cargo per trip and access more direct routes. However, the change could have consequences for highway infrastructure and safety. Heavier trucks put more stress on roads and bridges, potentially accelerating wear and tear, which could increase maintenance costs that taxpayers ultimately fund. There are also potential safety considerations, as heavier vehicles require more distance to stop and can be more difficult to maneuver.

The bill essentially trades off stricter weight limits for greater operational freedom for the trucking industry. Whether this is beneficial depends on your perspective—trucking companies and shippers would likely support it as a cost-saving measure, while those concerned about road maintenance costs or highway safety might have concerns about allowing heavier vehicles on interstate systems.

Freedom to Haul Act

Mast, Brian J.

Freedom to Haul Act This bill exempts from federal-aid highway vehicle weight limitations a five-axle truck tractor-semitrailer combination vehicle operating on a segment of the Interstate System if it: <ul> <li> has a gross vehicle weight of 97,000 pounds or less;</li> <li>has three rear axles on the tractor of such vehicle; and</li> <li>complies with the single axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula limits.</li> </ul>