As a companion to U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins’ (R-KS) bill, legislation was introduced last week in the Senate that would permit two light- or medium-duty trailers to be towed concurrently – provided they are empty and being delivered to a retailer for sale.
In its essence, The Safe and Efficient Trailer Delivery Act states that empty light and medium trailers are generally safer than large trailers with cargo, and therefore should not be regulated in the same category.
“I am proud to champion this legislation in the House, which is based on sensible principles that will help increase the efficiency and reduce emissions from light- and medium-duty trailer manufactures,” Jenkins said. “This bill will lower costs for consumers, decrease congestion on our highways and empowers businesses by removing government bureaucracy.”
Because of a law passed in 1991, trailers are treated differently than cars, trucks or boats. The manufacturers of trailers have been forced to deliver the vast majority of their products one at a time, an inefficient and costly practice.
Among the lawmakers who introduced the companion piece in the Senate was Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS).
“This straightforward, common sense legislation would allow trailer manufacturers in Kansas and across the country to deliver light- to medium- duty trailers in tandem to retailers,” Moran said. “The current law is expensive and inefficient, and this bill will dramatically lower delivery costs for small businesses while helping consumers and reducing highway congestion.”
Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) also co-sponsored the bill.
“The current regulations for trailer delivery are costly, and hurt Kansas businesses and consumers,” Roberts said. “This bill will allow trailers to be delivered more efficiently and at lower costs, while also improving the safety on our nation’s highways.”
Across the aisle, Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-IN) also put his support behind the legislation.
“In Indiana, our small and medium trailer industry is made up primarily of small businesses and provides jobs to Hoosiers while helping our state’s economy,” Donnelly said. “These Hoosier manufacturers must navigate a patchwork system merely to deliver their products, which increases costs and hurts consumers. I am proud to join my colleague Sen. Jerry Moran in introducing this bipartisan legislation because it would help Hoosier trailer manufacturers transport their products more easily and at a reduced cost to consumers across the country.”