Kassel v. Consolidated Freightways Corp. of Del.

Background

A large nationwide trucking company wanted to drive 65-foot double‑trailer trucks through Iowa on major interstates. Iowa law generally limited most trucks to 55 feet and barred 65-foot doubles, while allowing some 60-foot and other special exemptions for border cities, local manufacturers, and certain loads. Because of the law, carriers had to use shorter trucks, split trailers, or route around Iowa, and the company sued saying the rule improperly blocked interstate shipping.

Reasoning

The Court examined whether Iowa’s length limit meaningfully improved safety enough to justify the burden on interstate freight. A trial court found that 65-foot doubles were at least as safe as the trucks Iowa allowed, and the Supreme Court agreed with that factual finding. The Justices weighed the State’s safety claims against the real, demonstrated burdens on interstate commerce and noted several exemptions that suggested the rule favored local interests. Because the safety justification was weak and the law significantly impeded interstate trucking, the Court held the law unconstitutional as an undue burden on interstate commerce.

Real world impact

The decision lets trucking companies use 65-foot double trailers on the covered interstate routes in Iowa, reducing detours and added costs. It limits a State’s ability to exclude types of long trucks unless the State can show solid safety benefits. The ruling leaves open Congress’s ability to set a national standard and does not address every local road or smaller‑scale restrictions.

Dissents or concurrances

A Justice concurring emphasized that the law looked protectionist and courts should assess the lawmakers’ real purposes; a dissent urged more deference to state safety judgments and warned against overruling state highway rules.