“One driver, two containers. That would solve the problem overnight,” says Ronnie Mains, the owner of CRC Global Solutions during his testimony before the Louisiana Senate.
Senate Bill 477, sponsored by Senator Gary Smith of Norco, would allow two shipping containers to be hauled in tandem by a single tractor in and out of the Port of New Orleans and other ports in the state.
SB477 would create a special permit allowing for the tandem loads to be transported along state highways as a way to relieve some of the supply chain problems plaguing the state.
Designated routes would be needed to make sure the tandem hauling doesn’t violate federal laws governing interstates.
Mains is involved with supporting the passage of the bill to keep jobs in Louisiana. He’s quoted in the Center Square stating: "The industry needs help, and if we want to hold on to these great companies that we have here. They’re going to stay here, but they’re going to produce their product and send it to the other markets, they have to get their product out."
Still, state transportation officials, like Eric Kalivoda deputy secretary for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development expressed concerns: "We just keep ratcheting things up every year with more and more overweight permits," he said. "Where does it stop?”
Kalivoda is worried about the increased costs to fix roads damaged by overweight or oversized loads.
Lawmakers contend a truck with tandems would weigh 14,000 pounds less than a two trucks towing single trailers.
The State Senate Transportation, Highways, and Public Works Committee approved the bill to advance to the full Senate for a vote.
