Increased Weight Limits and Transloading: The Impact of Higher Truck Weight Limits on the Inland Movement of Ocean Containers in the US

Examines the impact of increased truck weight limits on the inland movement of ocean containers in the US. Considers six major inland lanes, 12 combinations of cargo density and shipment size, and eight transport options. Shows that transloading from ocean containers to either domestic containers or dry vans becomes economically more attractive if truck weight limits are increased in accordance with a proposed bridge weight formula. Gross savings to shippers from transloading range from 5 to 44 per cent depending on the lane and commodity type involved.