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Bill Allowing Bigger Tractor Trailers On The Highways Gets Mixed Reaction In Upstate

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New legislation in Washington may add more weight or more wheels to tractor trailers.

Some truckers said it will make them more productive but drivers are more worried about their safety.

The government could pass its first highway reauthorization package in more than six years.

Currently federal law bans trucks that weigh over 80,000 pounds.     

New legislation would allow trucks to weigh up to 97,000 pounds and carry up to three trailers, something the South Carolina trucking association said would be more efficient.

Do we want more trucks because the economy grows and there's more demand or do we want bigger slightly heavier trucks,” said Rick Todd of the SC Truckers Association.

Truckers say they've seen trucks ride half empty just to stay within weight limits.

“You can put a lot more than 80,000 pounds on the truck, that’s why we get fined so much," said truck driver Charles Taft.

State senator Larry Grooms said Georgia already increased their limits and that puts South Carolina at a disadvantage. Drivers however think it’s unsafe.

"I don think it's going to be that safe really because especially on 85 you hear about so many truck accidents like the one we just had," said Antwain Glenn.

Some taxpayers say trucks tipping the scale could be costing them more money.

Department of Transportation workers say road repairs are already slow because of a tight budget.

Drivers we talked to say more trucks could mean worse roads.

But truck drivers said the heavier trucks will have more axels and balance out the weight.

Rick Todd said if the House and Senate do allow the heavier weight; it'll be left up to the individual states to decide weight limits for their state highways.

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