Arkansas increases tandem weights

Arkansas transportation officials recently announced that the maximum allowable weight on a permitted tandem-axle group combination will increase in the state from 40,000 to 46,000 pounds, effective December 17, 2014. Additionally, drivers will be allowed to carry and display permits electronically on screens with at least seven-inch displays. Both changes were approved in November by the Arkansas legislature.

“We worked closely with the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department to attain the increase in tandem allowance, which will tremendously benefit our association’s members and their customers,” said SC&RA Permit Policy Committee Chairman Paul Ross, vice president, Keen Transport. “This commendable change, in combination with Missouri’s recent decision to increase its tandem allowance to 46,000 pounds, suddenly allows transportation to flow more freely and more efficiently along the critical north/south transportation corridor from the Midwest to Gulf State ports.”

SC&RA’s Permit Policy Committee has identified the need for 46,000 pounds on tandems as its No. 1 priority for the past several years. After the most recent changes, Oklahoma, Iowa, Nebraska and Tennessee remain the last states with a tandem maximum weight of 40,000 pounds.