Legal Document

434 U.S. 429 98 Supreme Court Reporter 787 54 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 664 RAYMOND MOTOR TRANSPORTATION, INC., et al., Appellants,v.Zel S. RICE al. Number 76-558. Argued Nov. 8-9, 1977. Decided Feb. 21, 1978. Syllabus Wisconsin statutes, as a general rule, do not allow trucks longer than 55 feet or pulling more one other vehicle to be operated on highways within that State without permit. Implementing regulations set forth the conditions under which "trailer train" and classes of permits will issued, contain great number exceptions rule. Appellant motor carriers were denied operate 65-foot double-trailer units certain interstate in ground their proposed operations narrow scope specifying when issued. Appellants then filed suit Federal District seeking declaratory injunctive relief barring operation doubles burden discriminated against commerce violation Commerce Clause. At rial appellants presented extensive, uncontradicted evidence are safe as, if safer than, 55-foot singles limited-access, four-lane divided highways, also disrupted, costs raised, service slowed by challenged because they forced haul across separately around incur delays caused using instead pick up deliver goods, prevented from accepting interline transfers doubles. In addition appellants' showed routinely allows variety vehicles over long state highways. A three-judge court ruled appellants. Held : On record, violate Clause place substantial make no most speculative contribution highway safety. The especially those discriminate favor local industry, weaken presumption validity limit, undermine assumption State's own political processes act check unduly commerce. Pp. 439-448. D.C., 417 F.Supp. 1352, reversed remanded. John Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Lederer, Madison, Wis., for Albert O. Harriman, appellees. Mr. Justice POWELL delivered opinion Court. 1 We consider this appeal whether administrative governing length configuration may unconstitutionally held unconstitutional either ground. Because we conclude commerce, reverse. 2 * Raymond Motor Transportation, Incorporated (Raymond), Minnesota corporation with its principal business Minneapolis, is common carrier commodities vehicle. Operating pursuant certificate public convenience necessity granted Interstate Commission, see 49 Code KF62 §§ 306-308, provides eastern North Dakota, Minnesota, northern Illinois, northwestern Indiana. Its primary route between Chicago Minneapolis. It does serve any points Wisconsin. 3 Consolidated Freightways Corporation Delaware (Consolidated), Menlo Park, Cal., operates nationwide, providing 42 Canada. Among routes, consolidated carries Chicago, Detroit, east, Minneapolis west Seattle. Unlike Raymond, carry it maintains terminals Milwaukee Madison where truckloads goods dispatched received. 4 Both use two different kinds trucks. One consists three-axle power unit (tractor) pulls single two-axle trailer 40 long. overall such single-trailer (single) feet. This has been used Nation's many years an industry standard. type truck tractor single-axle dolly second attached. Each 27 long, (double) 65 feet.1 5 double, come into increasing recent years, thought have advantages shipping.2 these advantages, would prefer routes west, well commencing ending Madison. direct all traffic Highways 90 94, both cross Illinois Minnesota. law access roads Michigan, Washington through 94 run. 6 law, however, generally State. key statutory provision Wis.Stat. § 348.07(1) (1975), sets limit trailer.3 Any person operating greater must obtain permit issued Highway Commission. addition, 348.08(1) shall permit.4 7 Commission authorized issue various annual conform above requirements. particular, combinations "consist ng tractors, trailers, semitrailers wagons exceed total 100 feet," 348.27(6).5 "impose reasonable conditions" "adopt rules" respect "as deems necessary safety travel protection highways," 348.25(3), including specification permittees. 8 setting Although empowered 348.27(6) restrict "the transporting municipal refuse waste, intra-state load transit manufacturer dealer purchaser dealer, purpose repair." Wis.Admin.Code Hy 30.14(3)(a) (June 1975). "Trailer "for combination three milk point production first processing," 30.18(3)(a) 1976). II 9 overture lawsuit began each applied appropriate officials and, Consolidated's case, short stretches freight Madison.6 specify fi ed Clause, Article I, 8, cl. 3.7 complaint alleged refusal requested disrupts transportation commerce; allowed permits; maze prohibition results " 'over-length' [being] indistinguishable Plaintiffs terms size, safety, divisibility loads . ." App. 18. 10 was convened 28 2281.8 After pretrial conference, directed file amended answer every justification sought, "such example." 25. advanced sole justification. Id., at 27-29. By agreement parties, case tried affidavits, depositions, exhibits. 11 deal supporting allegation For example, Deputy Director Bureau Carrier Safety, Administration, Department testified deposition Bureau's five-year study accident experience selected types accidents, injuries, fatalities per 100,000 miles, amount property damage injuries accident. deponent's expert articulation maneuverability prevents back wheels deviating path front (offtracking) much single; typically distributed evenly singles; better braking capability singles. 12 Other experts brake singles, maneuver track better, less prone jackknife, produce splash spray obscure vision drivers following passing vehicles. These agreed difference time needed pass double appreciable effe t motorist produced depositions affidavits some highways; shared singles.9 13 State, reasons unexplained, made effort contradict comparative own.10 Chairman while acknowledging Commission's authority sought appellants, preventing issuance based assessment doubles, he himself "not prepared statement relative vehicles." 250. reason adoption regulations, according Chairman, belief people did want highways.11 nor suggestion Court, extra trailer, distinguished length.12 14 showing regulations. ordinarily finds faster expensive originating destined To comply bound stop before entering detach trailers. terminal Likewise, outbound cities pulled line separately, united combination. crew whose responsibility shuttle trailers line. 15 compelled separate portion east-west Detroit Seattle, divert south Wisc nsin Missouri Nebraska order avoid Wisconsin's ban.13 involve considerably shorter distance could go Wisconsin.14 16 Finally, demonstrated 178-181. 17 1352 (W.D.Wis.1976) (per curiam ). found regulatory scheme same 1356-1358. considered "whether imposed upon outweighs benefits popul[ace]," id., 1358, concluded not. had shown relation pointing fact that, things being equal, takes truck. 1359. expense "of material consequence." 1361. noted probable jurisdiction. 430 914, 97 1325, 51 592 (1977). III 18 challenge branches Court's holding. First, contend burdens substantially interferes movement makes Second, argue 348.27(4), authorizing "interplant" permits, n. 5, supra, discriminates products industries, but States' find address contention only bears first. 19 terms, grants Congress "[t]o regulate among several Long ago settled even absence congressional exercise power, erecting barriers free flow Cooley versus Board Wardens, How. 299, L.Ed. 996 (1852); Great A&P Tea company Cottrell, 424 366, 370-371, 96 923, 927, 47 (1976). time, never doubted legislation, designed legitimate interests discrimination though affects Pacific KF135 P2 Hood & Sons, Du Mond, 336 525, 531-532, 69 657, 661-662, 93 865 (1949); Gibbons Ogden, Wheat. 1, 203-206, 33 (1824); 235 (Johnson, J., concurring). "[I]n areas activities concern overlap national expressed Clause—where powers concurrent—the guidance called 'delicate adjustment conflicting federal claims,' 553, 657 (Black, dissenting), 371, 928; Hunt Apple Advertising Comm'n, 432 333, 350, 2434, 2445, 53 383 20 process "delicate adjustment," employed tests express distinction permissible impermissible impact commerce,15 teaches conceptual approach identifies factors bear particular case.16 Our decisions clear inquiry necessarily involves sensitive consideration weight nature light extent course As stated Pike Bruce Church, Inc., 397 137, 142, 844, 847, 25 174 (1970): 21 "Although criteria determining statutes affecting variously stated, rule emerges can phrased follows: Where statute regulates evenhandedly effectuate interest, effects incidental, upheld unless clearly excessive putative benefits. Huron Cement 362 440, 443, 80 313, 852. If found, question becomes degree. And tolerated depend interest involved, promoted lesser activities." 22 Accord, 371-372, 927-928; Hughes Alexandria Scrap Corp., 426 794, 804, 2488, 2495, 220 (1976); 423 S.Ct., 2445. 23 instant dispute regulating promote Nor regulation pre-empted configuration.17 They argue, here is, language "clearly benefits." con ribution imposing delay. analogize Bibb Navajo Freight Lines, 359 520, 79 962, 1003 (1959), invalidated defended required driven equipped contour mudguards. 24 replies applicable promotion contends should guided, instead, South Carolina Dept. Barnwell Bros., 303 177, 58 510, 82 734 (1938), objections stricter limitations width surrounding laws. emphasizes Bros. "rational relation" test rather "balancing" test, argues rational safety: Longer take passed acknowledge, Bibb, there "which, read isolation later ., suggest sufficient invalidate element commerce." U.S., 528-529, 967. But rejected stating similar principle subsequent formulation Inc.: 26 "Unless whole record 'the effect measure reducing accidents casualties so slight problematical outweigh keeping interferences seriously impede it' uphold statute." 524, 965, quoting Southern Arizona ex rel. Sullivan, 325 761, 775-776, 1515, 1523, 89 1915 (1945). Thus, cannot accept ended weighing asserted degree interference Nevertheless, true reluctant 'state legislation field propriety recognized.' 143, 848, 796, 1532 (Douglas, dissenting). deference regulation. See, e. g., Hendrick Maryland, 610, 35 140, 59 385 (1915); Sproles Binford, 286 374, 52 581, 76 1167 (1932); Maurer Hamilton, 309 598, 60 726, 84 969 (1940); Railway Express Agency, New York, 106, 463, 533 (1949).18 who said overcome "strong [their] validity." 965. 29 Despite strength persuaded shown, massive array disprove assertion part, virtually defaulted defense measure. content assume contribute Yet pose threat motorists traveling limited access, highways.19 short, rebutted undercut exemptions truck-length itself allows.20 30 Moreover, demonstrated, again contradiction, impose goods. increase cost movement, not, thought, entirely irrelevant.21 slow forcing altogether, See 527, 966. prevent legal. 527-528, 966-967.22 our view, c mmerce Bibb.23 31 consideration, although decisive, lends force conclusion stand. noted, contains least face industries States,24 indications exceptions, neutral face, enacted instance of, primarily benefit, important industries. Viewed realistically, product compromise forces seek retain complain burdensome. Exemptions kind, n.18, supra. IV 32 holding one, decide laws restricting trucks, overwhelmingly one-sided case.25 failed colorable judgment reversed, remanded further proceedings consistent opinion. ordered. 34 STEVENS took part decision case. BLACKMUN, whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE, BRENNAN, REHNQUIST join, concurring. 36 N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions join add comments emphasize today's decision. 37 reliance (1970), signal, me, new review previously refused balance considerations Brief Appellees 8. misreads recognized weigh free-flowing 'slight problematical' interests. 964, quotingSouthern 776, 38 equate factual struck established regarding Fruit Vegetable Standardization Act. prohibited shipment cantaloupes "packed regular compact arrangement closed standard containers." 138, 845, Ariz.Rev.Stat.Ann. 3-503 Contract (Supp.1969). Application appellee grower processing just lin California, construct packing facility Arizona. attempted justify solely "to preserve reputation growers prohibiting deceptive packaging." 848. More specifically, wanted package high-quality fruit advertised grown California. recognizing legitimacy accord balancing: 39 "[T]he tenuous having company's identified constitutionally requirement build unneeded $200,000 plant State." 145, 849. despite unchallenged existence determined enough 41 Neither suggests legitimately asserts confront words, justifications illusory, second-guess legislative about importance comparison related therefore ultimate balancing depart principle, Lines: "These measures strong court. alternative ways solving problem, sit determine them best suited achieve valid objective. Policy legislature, absent entry field." 43 Here, engage policies; choice. Instead, after searching developed concludes exist matter law. 44 Third, illusory illustrated overwhelming empirical data submitted willingness oversized numerous in-state manufacturers ante, 433-434, nn. 4-5, 446-447. From 1973 June 1975, 43,900 Case 75-C-172, App.C, 10-11. An additional 16,760 single-trip during period. 11. problems, regularly permitted merely lower bulkiness cargoes frequently permits. Deposition Robert T. Huber, 7-9, 21; Wayne Volk, Chief Traffic Engineer, 31, 36, 49-50, 53. American Motors, largest employers, received permission 45-mile stretch Kenosha, Engineer conceded road heavily traveled. 32. Furthermore, Stoughton Body Co., pull oversized, two-lane facilitate out-of-state deliveries. 52-54. practice believe present 45 Nineteen then, another cases—"few number"—in 529, contour-mudflaps burdened 1959 today. neither mudflaps contributed Giving leeway gave Lines requires reversal Appendix illustrations 1363 volume single, often exceeding legal limits gross weights. fewer given cargo, consequent savings fuel drivers' time. routed cargo picked shippers, dispatched, destinations quickly Subsequent decision, section "providing space semitrailer sub. (1)." 1977 Wis.Laws, ch. 29, 1487h, adding 348.07(2)(g). Exempted mobile homes towing vehicles, feet, 348.07(2)(d), implements husbandry temporarily highway, 348.07(2)(e). assumed F.Supp., 1354-1355. concedes erroneous. Tr. Oral Arg. 34-37. section, exempt third "being transported drive-away method saddle-mount combination," 348.08(1)(a); farm tractors implement husbandry, exclusively farming 348.08(1)(b); "tour trains" county recreational educational purposes, 348.08(1)(c). "drive-away method" "saddle-mount combination" 348.08(1)(a) defined apparently refer four-wheel resting Regulations 390.9, 393.71, 393.17 overlength agent owning oversize connection interplant, line, state," 348.27(4); pipeline companies operators corporations poles, pipe, girders materials [sic ] business," 348.27(5); individuals hauling peeled unpeeled pole-length forest provided auto 'haulaways' specially constructed transport vehicles," licensed home dealers homes," 348.27(7); persons "loads pole pulpwood miles Michigan-Wisconsin line," 348.27(9); "[f]or good cause specified instances period [to] size chapter," 348.27(3). Section 348.25(4) "shall article exceeds reasonably reduced TO COMPLY WITH STATUTORY SIZE LIMITATIONS regulation, exempts general, industrial requirement. 30.01(3)(c) appears interprets require economical, physically impossible, divide load. 200, 210, 211-212. 894, bypasses metropolitan area. named defendants, individually official capacities, Rice, Secretary Transportation; Commission; Sweda Young, members Wisconsin; Versnik, commanding officer Patrol; LaFollette, Attorney General defendants collectively claim Equal Protection Fourteenth Amendment reach. 2281 repealed Public Law 94-381, Statutes-at-Large 1119, day court's repeal, affect actions commenced date enactment. 1120. According stipulated exhibit, trial Columbia few designated rest 278. detailed summary current configuration, Association Transportation Officials, Legal Maximum Dimensions Weights Vehicles Compared AASHTO Standards introduce testimony occupants smaller likely killed collisions large larger distinguish witness 154. He response feeling, declined enact interpreted inaction intent so. Indeed, agrees "[a]ppellants foot twin 13. far Iowa, crosses route, bans estimated excess $2 million annually adjustments save $63,000 $102,000 wages 319, (1852), subjects "imperatively demanding uniform rule" diversity, alone meet necessities." cases "directly," "indirectly." E. Hall DeCuir, 95 485, 488, 547 (1878); Smith Alabama, 124 465, 482, 564, 571, 508 (1888). "police powers," "regulations Railroad Fuller, Wall. 560, 570, 710 (1873); 571. Di Santo Pennsylvania, 273 34, 44, 267, 271, 71 524 (1927) (Stone, dissenting); Parker Brown, 317 341, 362-363, 63 307, 87 315 (1943); 768-769, 1519-1520, (1945); 552-553, 678-679, (1949) pre-empting field, acted. S.Rep.No. 93-1111, Page (1974); Hearings Energy Policies (Truck Sizes Weights) Subcommittee Senate Committee Works, 93d Cong., Sess. (1974). special derives nterstate usually falls economic interests, thus insuring burdensome Compare 187, 514, 783, 1527. recognition shoulder construction, maintenance, policing vary widely 523-524, (1959); 514. mentioning evidence, suggested Morris Duby, 274 135, 144, 548, 550, 966 (1927), Buck Kuykendall, 267 315, 324, 325, 623 (1925), "that purposes judicial restrictions might deemed inherently tied 1360. relied far, antedates era involved Size restrictions, like entitled validity, closing eyes uncontroverted record. failure rebut apart 196, 519, said: "That compliance imposes added plaintiffs 1361, citing 526, installing mudguards itself, invalidation "[c]ost taken relevant Ibid. interfere interlining "may freely hauled Wisconsin, but, course, interlining, expensive." overlooks continued connecting willing distinguishable illegal Arkansas, straight Arkansas Illinois. contrast, fails appreciate conflict requirements delay States. somewhere shift another, 966, change original note weighed result requirements, hence "would expected equip mudguards." 528, Under 348.27(4) issues plants thence markets States, i sua sponte speculation eligible 1357 n.9, refuted 257-258, disavowed 30; 4. Given unnecessary basis embodied 348.27(4). 4, Railroads Amicus Curiae 20, Reply 39. intimate nondiscriminatory length, width, suspect. Cf. 391-396, 586-588, (1932). commentator written, adjudication "upon thoroughness lawyers perform task conduct constitutional litigation. fields, constitutionality conditioned facts, courts look garnering presenting facts." Dowling, Power, Va.L.Rev. 27-28 (1940).

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