Speed Governors In Trucks

Hey all,

Why exactly are big rigs governed? I've heard some are set at 62, 65, etc, and frankly, that just doesn't make sense to me. Obviously, the fuel savings, but in areas like Minnesota (where i'm from) I-94 from the twin cities to Fargo, ND is 70mph. All those trucks going 8mph under the limit could create a hairy situation for a distracted driver going 70, 75, even 80mph as some four wheelers do.

Is this only exclusive to company trucks? Or is it a federal mandate? I know for a fact i've seen trucks keeping up with, and overtaking four wheelers. Even staying in the left lane for many, many miles. What gives?

Side note, do truckers get pulled over for speeding? Can't say i've ever seen a truck pulled over except for by the state patrol, and I just assume it's a level one inspection because the trooper is bored.

Thanks, and stay safe out there.

I'm sure its mostly for fuel mileage and to an extent also safety. I agree with it being dangerous having trucks going a lot slower than the speed limit however having an 80k pound truck traveling 70-80 mph isn't too safe at times as well. The faster that truck is going the longer it will take to stop. I think it may be safer overall for the trucks to be slower and run the risk of someone hitting them from behind rather than going faster and not being able to stop or avoid hazards. Either way it will be a bad situation and likely deadly for someone. A slower truck is probably safer assuming people behind them are paying attention.

When it comes to lease and o/o's I think it varies. I believe I've seen companies still govern the trucks but govern them higher than a company truck.

Yap, governing trucks is all about fuel mileage and safety. The fuel mileage difference is astronomical, even when you're talking just a few miles per hour difference.

There are some owner operators and small companies that don't govern their trucks but most trucks are governed. Lease trucks are almost always governed also.

Tho its all about fuel savings....when you think about the safety rating on your steer tires, it will make you stay at the lower level of super sonic sound...

A few things come into play here. 70 mph is the max rated speed for a truck tire. Then there is wasted fuel. And also safety.

Frankly the trucks that are going slow do not create a safety hazard. Its the people that choose to come up to fast behind a big truck that causes the problem. If they were paying attention to what they were supposed to be doing...driving...then the different speeds would not be an issue.

Yes trucks get pulled over for speeding all the time.