re: What can be done to curtail this 18 wheeler problem?

overall length i think is like 75 feet bumper to bumper. it is the axle spacings that usually bring about a citation. 53' domestic vans have sliding tandems. the weight redistributes throughout the tractor-trailer based on where the tandems are in relation to the trailer. the weight breakdowns are a standard 12k on the steer axles and 34k on the drive and rear axles.

one thing which may help with truck congestion is a very recent decision by the DOT to adjust the 34 hour break drivers must take. about a year ago, it was decreed that this 34 hour break must include 2 1am to 5am periods. the complaint was that it would indirectly cause more drivers to get back to work during peak traffic periods (morning rush hour) rather than allowing them to utilize the roads when they were emptier. as of last week, this rule has been temporarily suspended on a trial basis. hopefully this clears some of the congestion.

sorry for so much text.