Govt suspends implementation of new truck regulation until 2014

The government has suspended the implementation of the new trucking regulation on two types of trucks, giving traders of agricultural commodities more time to conform with the new regulations.

In a memorandum dated July 12, 2013, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson ordered the immediate suspension of the enforcement of the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight (GVW) for trucks and trailers under Codes 12-2 and 12-3 until January 31, 2014.

"This will give traders and truckers time to cope with the new regulation," said  Agriculture Assistant Secretary and National Rice Program Coordinator Dante Delima in a phone interview.

The new regulation, imposed on June 1, reduced the  prescribed gross vehicle weight (GVW) depending on truck configuration. It amends Republic Act 8794, or the Anti Overloading Act of 2000.   

Truckers and traders of agricultural products, however, claimed that prices of rice and other farm products could increase as a result of the new regulation.

The implementation, however, of the axle load limit of 13,500 kilograms shall still be enforced.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said overloaded trucks and trailers cause tremendous damage on highway safety and traffic operations and take its toll on infrastructure investments, costing the government around P13.5 billion every year.

Trucks under Code 12-2 are 18-wheeler semi-trailers trucks with three axles at motor vehicle and two axles at trailer, while those under Code 12-3 are 22-wheeler semi-trailer trucks with three axles at motor vehicle and three axles at trailer.

Section 6 of the original law provides that the government shall impose an amount equivalent to 25 percent of the Motor Vehicles Users Charge (MVUC) for trucks and trailers exceeding their GVW.  The prescribed load per axle remains at  13,500 kilograms. — KBK, GMA News