Heavier Logging Trucks Allowed on Interstates Under New Bill, If States Agree and Hauls Stay Short

The Safe Routes Act of 2025 carves out a specific exception to federal vehicle weight limits for some logging trucks. Under Section 2, vehicles hauling raw forest products like logs or wood chips can bypass federal weight restrictions if they stick to the weight tolerance rules already set by the states they operate in. There's another key condition: this exemption only applies for travel on the Interstate System up to 150 air miles from where the timber was harvested to the storage or processing facility.

Bigger Loads, Bigger Questions

So, what does this mean on the ground? For logging companies operating within that 150-mile radius, this could streamline operations. By adhering to potentially more permissive state weight limits instead of federal ones, they might be able to haul more timber per trip, potentially reducing transportation costs. However, allowing heavier trucks, even if compliant with state rules, raises questions about infrastructure. Interstate highways are built to certain standards, and heavier loads generally mean more wear and tear. This could lead to increased maintenance needs and costs down the line, potentially impacting taxpayers who fund road repairs.

On the Road: Boundaries and Balance

The bill sets clear boundaries. It's not an open pass for all logging trucks everywhere. The exemption is tightly defined: only for raw or unfinished forest products, only if the truck complies with state-specific weight tolerances for those products, and critically, only for that 150 air-mile stretch on the Interstate from origin to facility. While potentially boosting efficiency for the logging sector in certain areas, the practical effects depend heavily on individual state regulations and how the increased weight impacts road conditions and potentially, traffic safety alongside regular passenger vehicles.