AN ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE FEE AND FINE STRUCTURE FOR OVERLOADED TRUCKS IN WASHINGTON

Highway degradation arises for many reasons: the growing age of the infrastructure, increased traffic volumes, heavier vehicles, and different vehicle configuration. Another contributing factor to the deterioration of highways is the damage associated with overloading (loads above the legal weight limit). The study reported in this article draws from engineering, economics and managerial decision-making, and regulatory theory. Subissues of the overall research effort dealt with allocation of paid fees and fines, enforcement effectiveness, repayment, and elimination of damage. Yet, it must be remembered that the benefits of overloading to truckers are, in a competitive situation, returns that are realized by the shipping public as well.