ARE TRUCK WEIGHTS REALLY INCREASING? TRANSPORTATION ANALYSIS REPORT
This paper provides empirical evidence to test the hypothesis that truck weights have been increasing in New York State, and that therefore pavement damage may be partially due to such trends. The paper investigates the degree to which truck weights and vehicle types (classifications) have been changing in New York State over the past 15 years. Data from truck and classification surveys over the last 15 years are carefully analyzed by location, highway system, vehicle type, and whether loaded or unloaded, to determine the extent of these trends. Information is obtained from 17 truck weight classification sites surveyed periodically. Most surveying is done once/year during summer weekdays, for 8-hour daytime periods. In the aggregate, results showed that truck weights were apparently increasing. However, when the data were disaggregated by vehicle type and system, it was found that the apparent increases were caused entirely by shifts in the focus of the weighing program to Interstate sites, to doubles and semi-trailers from light trucks and heavy single unit trucks, and to, most likely, the heavier vehicles within each vehicle classification. The paper found no evidence to support the conclusion that weights were increasing within vehicle type and road systems. The paper concludes that impressions about increasing truck weights should be given very careful scrutiny. Apparent shifts in weights and classifications may be only statistical artifices caused by the shifting focus and methodology of the truck weight and classification programs. It is, therefore, suggested that this hypothesis be more carefully reviewed before national conclusions are drawn.
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Corporate Authors:
New York State Department of Transportation
Planning Division, State Campus, Building 4
Albany, NY United States 12232 -
Authors:
- Hartgen, D T
- Bager, D M
- Publication Date: 1986-8
Media Info
- Features: Figures; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 27 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Axle load force; Classification; Data analysis; Highways; Mathematical analysis; Statistical analysis; Trend (Statistics); Trucks; Trucks by weight; Vehicle classification; Weight
- Uncontrolled Terms: Highway classification; Increase
- Old TRIS Terms: Truck pavement damage
- Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Motor Carriers; Vehicles and Equipment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00462368
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: Rpt. No. 65
- Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
- Created Date: Feb 28 1987 12:00AM