Congress will consider a measure that would allow states to increase the gross vehicle weight limit on commercial trucks if they are properly equipped with six axles and meet the same safety standards as trucks currently allowed on interstate highways. The Safe Trucking Act was introduced in the House last month by Rep. Reid Ribble (R-WI) and was referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) says food manufacturers rely heavily on commercial trucks to move perishable product, and increasing capacity would benefit the food industry as well as consumers.

 “I personally believe it’s a win-win when we can achieve greater efficiency and affordability, along with safer roadways,” says Connie Tipton, president and CEO of IDFA. Tipton adds the Safe Trucking Act would safely modernize truck shipments by allowing trucks to carry more product, thereby reducing the number of trucks on US highways.