I have an idea to lower unemployment and help the economy in KY.

[lefthandedlefty]

It is very simple enforce the weight limit on coal and gravel trucks.Coal trucks with 5 or more axles can legally gross 126,000# with an extended weight permit I have seen gross weights in excess of 200,000# the real legal weight is 80,000#.They are hauling a payload of 40 to 80 tons a true legal payload would be 25 to 27 tons.Dump trucks not hauling can haul up to the weight they are licened up 80,000# no matter how many axles they have.The real legal weight for five or more axles is 80,000# four axles with flotation tires 71,000# three axles is 46,000# and two axles 32,000#.I know coal cos. and rock quarries even truckers would fight this tooth and nail,but look hauling legal would at the very least double the number of drivers,sell more trucks encourage the use of lighter more fuel efficient trucks,do less damage to the roads legal weight trucks are safer and stop quicker will not break down near as much.All these trucks are diesel so all can run on bio-diesel which can be made right here in KY.creating more jobs.

[road2000]

1. You're right.

And we have some of the nation's worst highways to prove your point.

[lefthandedlefty]

2. I know first hand about hauling coal

I hauled it from 1976 to 1995 my dad and I owned 4 coal trucks we would haul all day then work on them most of the night getting ready for the next day.I now haul cars and trucks at legal weight and clear more than I ever did hauling coal.My truck has well over a million miles on it and about the only that ever needs done is general maintinence tires run till they wear out.Heavy coal trucks usually break things long before they are worn out.