Longer Combination Trucks: Potential Infrastructure Impacts, Productivity Benefits, and Safety Concerns.

At least 14 states and six turnpike authorities permit limited operation of long multiple-trailer trucks known as longer combination vehicles Lcv. LCVS transport cargo at less cost than shorter combination vehicles because fewer drivers and tractors are needed and less fuel is used. Some sectors of the trucking industry would like the Congress to permit a wider use of LCVs. However, concerns have been raised that expanding the use of LCVs would increase highway costs and pose a threat to traffic safety. The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 directed GAO to report on the economic and safety impact of LCV5. This report focuses on the economic impacts, including 1 the impacts on infrastructure-pavements, bridges, and interchangethat might result from expanded LCV operations and 2 the potential benefits from and industrys use of LCV5. This report also summarizes GAOs two previous reports on LCV safety issues in order to comprehensively discuss LCV5 m one report.