Truck Size and Weight

Principal Investigator(s):

Jerry Fruin, Former Professor, Applied Economics

Project summary:

Motor carriers are subject to highway regulations. Trucks are typically regulated as to their length, width, and height, as well as load in terms of gross vehicle weight (GVW), and axle weight by state legislation. The purpose of these regulations is to protect public safety and road surfaces. Minnesota has its own set of truck size and weight regulations, as do neighboring states and Canadian provinces. This study is to determine if the current Minnesota regulations affect the way Minnesota shippers move goods, whether the regulations of adjacent states provide advantages to shippers in those states and the general level of satisfaction of shippers with regard to Minnesota regulations. The ultimate outcome to the completed study should help shape Minnesota long-range policies in motor vehicle size and weight regulation while meeting multiple objectives of safety, infrastructure maintenance and economic efficiency.

Project details:

  • Project number: 1995050
  • Start date: 01/1997
  • Project status: Completed
  • Research area: Planning and Economy
  • Topics: Economics, Freight, Trucking