Michigan axle bill gets more support

MICHIGAN, (Oct. 19, 2001) — The Ontario Trucking Association was across the Ambassador Bridge earlier this week to support Bill 5205, which would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow for the operation of 53-foot semi-trailers with three axles on state highways.

The bill, spearheaded by the OTA, received 14-0 support from the bi-partisan committee. The next step in the process is to have a similar bill introduced into the Senate.

OTA appeared before the Michigan House of Representatives Transportation Committee explain that Michigan is currently the only state in the US not allowing this configuration, and such rules are hampering efficient international and state-to-state trade.

While in Michigan, OTA staff also made a presentation before the House of Representative Commerce Committee on the importance of Michigan-Ontario trade and asked the committee to address several questions regarding border delays and the role of intermodal transportation. OTA was then informed the legislature would introduce a resolution in the Michigan House of Representatives that recognizes the importance of trucking and border trade to the Michigan economy.