PRESS RELEASE
The bi-partisan Safe Routes Act of 2025 to allow logging trucks to travel on federal interstates for short-haul trips has been introduced by US Rep. Tony Wied (R-WI), along with Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME).
Currently, loaded logging trucks are forced to travel on non-interstate roads, increasing the risk of accidents as they encounter two-way traffic, intersections, school zones, pedestrians, and driveways. The Safe Routes Act of 2025 would allow trucks hauling forest products at state legal weights to access the interstate for a short distance to avoid these hazards. Research has shown that this would reduce the likelihood of accidents while simultaneously saving time and fuel.
“I am proud to introduce this legislation alongside Rep. Golden,” said Wied. “All major timber-producing states have weight limits for logging trucks that are greater than the federal limits for interstate highways. Safe Routes addresses this by allowing trucks that meet state requirements to travel on the interstate for a short time. This bill will improve safety, reduce fuel consumption, and make the transportation of forest products more efficient.”
“One of the reasons we build big roads is to help transport big loads,” Golden (ME-02) said. “Allowing logging trucks to use interstate highways will help keep communities safer and less congested and cut costs for the businesses that support those local jobs. It’s a win-win, which is why I’m glad to work with Congressman Wied on this commonsense bill.”
US Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) is introducing companion legislation in the United States Senate.
“The Safe Routes Act will support local businesses by eliminating regulatory burdens and allowing logging vehicles to exceed federal weight limits when transporting raw forest products. Wisconsinites will benefit from a reduced number of trips required, which will ultimately decrease transportation costs and allow business owners to keep more of their hard-earned money,” said Johnson.
Congressman Wied is proud to have the support of industry leaders including the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association and the Forest Resource Association.
“Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association is very thankful for Congressman Wied’s leadership and knowledge for what it takes to provide a commonsense solution for a safer more efficient transportation system. For America to be competitive, transportation must be safer and more efficient than ever especially when it comes to transportation of the nation’s sustainably harvested raw forest products,” said Henry Schienebeck, GLTPA executive director
“Allowing trucks hauling logs, pulpwood, chips, or biomass to access interstate highways at legal state weights promotes enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and economic viability. Interstates offer a safer route by minimizing interactions between log truck encounters with pedestrians and vehicles in high-risk areas. This access also minimizes damage to rural roads, lowering maintenance costs for local communities. Shorter travel times to manufacturing facilities increase operational efficiency, while decreased transportation costs benefit small logging businesses, strengthening the overall economy of the forest products sector,” said Tim O’Hara, FRA president.
Other original co-sponsors of this legislation include Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), and Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS).
Read the full bill text here.