3 U.S. senators oppose allowing larger trucks on highways

U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) said Monday they are opposed to a federal mandate that would enable big trucks to transport large loads on U.S. highways.

The mandate allows trucks to carry double 33-foot trailers on highways across the nation. The resulting tractor trailer would measure 91 feet long.

To stop this, the senators said they will be joining representatives from Teamsters, the trucking industry, a safety advocacy group and law enforcement at a news conference Wednesday.

Earlier this year, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved an amendment in the transportation funding bill that would require states to enable trucks to haul two  33-foot-long trailers on local highways. The federal law that is currently in place allows trucks to haul double 28-foot trailers.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) maintains that there is inadequate data to make definitive conclusions about the safety hazards of carrying double 33-foot trailers. So far, the DOT has stated that truck size changes should not be made.