Weight Load Feedback

Not to say I told you so but… Hey, last week we did a story on the fact that Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson was very influential in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee’s approval of increasing weight limits in trucks from the current allowance of 105,500 pounds up to 129,000 pounds, putting Idaho in line with neighboring states. Our state had been criticized by Julie Pipal, president and CEO of the Idaho Trucking Association saying: “Idaho essentially creates a doughnut hole for weight limits. Trucks leaving Idaho have to change their loads.” I had a chat with Congressman Simpson’s spokesperson Nikki Watts and this is what she said: “Congressman Simpson is pleased to see this important language included in the House bill today. This increase has long been sought by the State of Idaho because it would remove the competitive disadvantage the state currently faces,” said Simpson spokesperson Nikki Watts. “This will be a major generator of economic activity in Idaho, and he is thankful that THUD Appropriations Chairman Latham included this provision in the bill.” To no one’s surprise representatives of the sugarbeet and potato industries in Idaho have already publicly applauded this legislation.