Ohio Proposes Higher Weight Limits for Some Trucks

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland’s (D) administration has proposed increasing weight limits for certain trucks in an effort to increase exports, the Associated Press reported.

Under the plan, trucks carrying international shipping containers would be allowed a maximum weight of 94,000 pounds on Ohio's highways, up from the current 80,000 pounds.

The plan is intended to increase exports of corn and soybeans, AP said.

Opponents of the plan cite increased damage to roadways in the state. A 2009 study by the state's Department of Transportation said that trucks cause about $144 million in pavement damage per year in Ohio, while only paying about $97 million in taxes and fees, AP reported.