Truckers given until July 31 to comply with cargo weight limits

AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Truckers have until July 31 to comply with cargo weight limits appropriate to the size of their trucks in conformity with the prescribed maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) as mandated by the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 8794, the law imposing a user’s charge on all types of motor vehicles, the Department of Public Works and Highways announced Monday.

In light of this, the DPWH has once more suspended the apprehension of overloaded trucks and trailers not just in Metro Manila but in the entire country.

A statement said the DPWH and the Department of Transportation and Communications had “granted the request of stakeholders to defer the Feb. 1, 2014 implementation of the maximum GVW for trucks and trailers that fall under category codes 12-2 and 12-3, respectively.”

“The extended suspension until July 31 is more than enough time for haulers and truckers to upgrade their transport fleets to conform to the latest GVW,” the DPWH statement said.

From June 1, 2013, the department had moved the implementation of the maximum GVW for trucks and trailers to Feb. 1 this year.

The DPWH and the DOTC earlier modified the implementing rules and regulations of RA 8794 after consultation with groups of haulers and truckers.

Under RA 8794, trucks and trailers under Code 12-2 and Code 12-3 with load exceeding GVWs of 41,500 kilograms and 42,000 kilograms, respectively, and load per axle of more than 13,500 kilograms are prohibited to travel as they are considered overloaded.

“An amount equivalent to 25 percent of the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (or registration fee) is imposed by the Land Transportation Office on overloaded trucks and trailers,” the DPWH said.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson has repeatedly warned that the country’s roads were being damaged severely by the overloading of trucks and appealed to businesses to observe weight limits for overland cargo.

Singson said the government was “not after the collection of fines as the amount equivalent to 25 percent of registration fees for loading beyond the prescribed FVW is not enough to repair damage on highways and bridges, and the high risk of death and serious injuries for road users and the general public due to overloading.”

He also called on businesses to avoid truck operators who refuse to correct their truck configurations in transporting goods.

In a related development, the DPWH office in Metro Manila said repairs on the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or Edsa during weekends would continue.

DPWH regional director Reynaldo Tagudando asked for the public’s “continued understanding” as “these are needed repairs which will result in both longer road performance and improved movement of vehicles.”