SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5323

BYSenators West, Patterson, McCaslin, Benitz and Barr

Permitting triple trailer rigs to operate near the Idaho border.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 31, 1989

Senate Staff:Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

AS OF JANUARY 31, 1989

BACKGROUND:

State law restricts any person from operating any combination of vehicles consisting of more than two vehicles.  State law prescribes the following exceptions:  (1) A combination consisting of a truck tractor, a semitrailer, and another semitrailer or a full trailer; (2) a combination consisting of three trucks or truck tractors used in driveaway service where two of the vehicles are towed by the third in double saddlemount position; (3) a combination consisting of a truck tractor carrying a freight compartment no longer than eight feet, a semitrailer, and another semitrailer or full trailer that meets the legal length requirement for a truck and trailer combination.

The Surface Transportation Act of 1982 standardized many of the vehicle combinations used within the trucking industry.  Triple trailers, the longest possible combination allowed, were authorized at a length not to exceed 105 feet.

At least thirteen states have authorized the use of triple trailers on their highways.  In every state there are restrictions.  Some restrictions limit the use of triple trailers to specific sections of interstate highways, and in most states weather restrictions apply.  Triple trailers have been legalized in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Canada.

SUMMARY:

Triple trailers are authorized to operate on Interstate 90 no more than 30 miles from the Idaho border.  They are allowed to leave the interstate system for one mile only when going directly to or from a distribution center.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested