This is one thread that I'd want to be the first one to reply--Ross handled it as well as it could be stated. Here in Spokane, we have a very important freeway interchange and section of road closed down for the summer because of damage caused by trucks. It's all about physics, Bob--trucks do WAY more damage to roads in proportion to cars. CalTrans did a study back in the 80s where they tested the impact on a bad piece of road (specifically a pothole). The damage caused by one loaded truck was equal to that of several thousand cars. Last time I checked, I don't think that truckers pay several thousand times the "fees" as the average driver. I have seen miles-long stretches of freeway in Montana and Wyoming where so much damage (ruts) existed in the pavement that there were signs posted for trucks to use the other lane because "their" normal lane was no longer safe for them. These guys are the same ones who can be seen parked prior to a weigh station that it is known will soon close for the day and they don't want to get caught being overloaded. Drive along Highway 53 in Idaho and watch the parade of trucks that take that route from Canada to avoid the weigh station at the Idaho/Washington State line--and then take arterial roads to get themselves over to the Interstate. (By the way, their road of choice was closed last summer for re-surfacing). You might also want to check out what happened to a couple of Washington State Highways last year when a shortline (looking to scrap its line for valuable steel) embargoed its track and forced the wheat trucks onto the main route to the nearest railhead. Pretty ugly. Also, if you knew your history, Bob, SOME railroads got Land Grants--most didn't. The payback?--During regulation, the railroads had to haul military trains for no cost. Also, take a good look at the tax records in the Assessor's office in EVERY County in the Country. You'll find that the railroads are one of the biggest taxpayers on the books. Sure, some marginal lines get some financial help (VERY rarely), but in most cases, it IS due to some Government agency either protecting its roads, or a shipper group making sure that you guys don't earn your living by gouging prices.

Chill out, Bob. Relax and work on that second set of books that you carry with you--and thank us taxpayers for keeping "your tracks" in halfway decent shape. I'd hate to think what they would look like if you were the only people using them AND paying 100% of the bill to keep them usable.