Trucking Cool to Higher Speed Limit in Va.

The trucking industry is hesitant about a proposal from Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) to raise the speed limit to 70 mph in some places.

Trucking prefers 65-mph limits because of fuel savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, said Dale Bennett, executive vice president the Virginia Trucking Association

“We all know the jump in fuel prices made trucking companies rethink their attitude towards being ‘green’ and saving fuel,” he said.

Many companies have governed their truck engines to run at 65 mph or slower. For the most part, Virginia’s speed limit is 65 mph on interstate highways.

American Trucking Associations wants Congress to create a national 65-mph speed limit. The desired limit is part of ATA’s 18-point safety agenda.

By Michele Fuetsch
Staff Reporter

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