Policy Issues of an Iowa Longer Combination Vehicle Network

摘要

The purpose of this report is to explore policy issues related to LongerCombination Vehicles (LCVs) and the potential expansion of the LCV network to include Iowa. LCVs are vehicles with size and/or weight dimensions which exceed the maximum standards for the National Highway Network. One of the principal benefits of the ability to employ LCVs is that it allows motor carriers to make equipment investment and use decisions based on freight characteristics and market needs. Considerations such as NAFTA, inter-jurisdiction uniformity, safety and performance standards for highways and bridges, and motor carrier industry pressures for increased productivity are examined. The final chapter also addresses additional policy issues such as the assessment of user fees on larger vehicles to recover the costs of allowing their operation.