Jan. 28, 2016
HARRISBURG – A bill introduced by Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) that would update Pennsylvania’s trucking inspection requirements and registration fees was passed this week by a bipartisan vote in the House.
“This bill would make Pennsylvania-based trucking companies more competitive. Currently, many carriers register their vehicles out of state in order to avoid the costly and redundant mandates.
House Bill 1413 would also allow Pennsylvania motor truck businesses to receive refunds of their registration fee if a truck is stolen or demolished, and they cannot replace the vehicle. This bill will improve the business climate in Pennsylvania and help to create good-paying transportation jobs in our region,” said Heffley.
This bill would require Pennsylvania-based trucking companies to be 100 percent compliant with all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Safety and inspection standards, so safety would not be compromised. House Bill 1413 would relieve Pennsylvania-based carriers of redundant and outdated state mandates that put Pennsylvania carriers and shippers at a competitive disadvantage with out-of-state competitors.
Registration fees for motor carrier vehicles with a registered gross weight in excess of 17,000 pounds can sometimes total about $2,000. Refunding registration fees in the instance of a wrecked or stolen vehicle would relieve the hardship for many small Pennsylvania motor truck businesses.
“The trucking industry is Pennsylvania’s fourth largest, with one in every 17 jobs – over 283,000 men and women in our Commonwealth – employed by this industry. House Bill 1413 would make Pennsylvania carriers more competitive. It is important that we do what we can to support these businesses that provide family-sustaining jobs across our Commonwealth,” said Heffley.
The bill now advances to the Senate.
Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Dux
717.260.6695
mdux@pahousegop.com
RepHeffley.com /
Facebook.com/RepHeffley