WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today questioned a panel of industry executives on the safety risks associated with unusually large tractor-trailers on the nation’s highways. Wicker’s comments came during a Surface Transportation Subcommittee hearing focused on examining the importance of the multimodal freight transportation network and policies needed for a growing economy.

“I have taken a strong position against the idea of forcing twin-33-foot trailers on the 30 states that have opted out of this,” Wicker said. “There are huge safety concerns, as expressed by sheriffs, by the AAA, and by safety advocates that have come to see me.”

Wicker asked Mr. Fritz about how large-scale implementation of twin-33s would impact competition, potentially causing negative effects on the railways. He went on to discuss the American Trucking Association’s recent announcement to “support a reformed federal truck-size and weight-regime that gives states flexibility.”

In regard to intermodal transportation challenges, Mr. Pelliccio pointed out that ports are critical in the supply chain and went on to state that, “as the supply chain continues to grow, the requirement to feed rail from the ports efficiently is paramount.”

The following witnesses testified before the Committee:

• Mr. Derek J. Leathers, President and Chief Executive Officer, Werner Enterprises;
• Mr. Lance M. Fritz, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Union Pacific;
• Mr. Michael L. Ducker, President and Chief Executive Officer, FedEx Freight; and
• Mr. James Pelliccio, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Newark Container Terminal.