WASHINGTON — A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives seeks to block plans to increase truck size and weight rules — something which has been encourage by carrier and shipping groups.

The Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act, introduced by Rep. James McGovern, D-MA, aims to lock down size and weight limits to their current maximum. It would ban states from allowing trailers longer than 53 feet or combo units to operate on national highways.

It would also prohibit states from allowing weights to exceed Interstate weight limits on the Interstate System. The bill does not eliminate a state’s ability to permit oversize or overweight loads, however.

A coalition of about 30 trucking carriers, shippers, and manufacturers have been attempting to convince Congress to adopt several demonstration pilot projects involving larger trucks in select U.S. states, such as Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Carolina and Georgia.

The Teamsters and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) are opposed, arguing that further increases in size and weights would endanger road users and hasten the deterioration roads and bridges.

Naturally, both groups applauded McGovern’s proposal.