Heavy-truck advocates join forces

Heavy-truck advocates join forces    Two lobbying organizations representing shippers and carriers on Capitol Hill said they have merged to present a united voice on the issue of raising weight limits for interstate truck traffic.
   The Coalition for Transportation Productivity, a group of more than 160 shippers and allied associations that favors raising federal weight limits on interstate highways, and Americans for Safe and Efficient Transportation will unite under CTP name.
   Under the merger, ASET and CTP will combine their executive committees and membership, expanding CTP to more than 200 members. John Runyan will continue as CTP's executive director. Jake Jacoby, ASET's former executive director, has taken a position as vice president for the Truck Renting & Leasing Association.
   The group is pushing the passage of the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act in the House and Senate that would set interstate weight limits at 97,000 pounds for trucks equipped with a sixth axle to take pressure off the road surface and maintain braking ability. Supporters say expanding the weight limit beyond the current 80,000 pounds will make cargo transport more efficient for shippers, and reduce congestion and engine emissions.