There's a move to allow tractor-trailers to carry larger and heavier loads in Central Florida and across the country.

And the U.S. Department of Transportation is due to get a report later this year on impacts of such trucks on the Federal highway system.

There's no denying that the trucking industry is one of the lifelines, getting products from factory to store.

That industry is pushing for larger loads, which in theory would make shipping those goods cheaper and easier.

But is there another price to pay?

Flagler County Fire Chief Don Petito explains what he's seen.

“If a fully-loaded tractor-trailer at 80,000 pounds was to hit a passenger car at 70 miles an hour, there would be no survivors, I believe.”

Chief Petito sees accidents all the time and is concerned bigger might not be better, explaining what the trucking industry would like.

“Right now, what they're trying to do is add 17,000 pounds to a load and add 10 to 17 feet on a single tractor-trailer," Petito said.

The interstate system would most likely be able to handle these larger trucks.

But the smaller roads, like the intersection of US 1 and State Road 100 in Bunnell, is already tough for normal-sized trucks.

County leaders are asking lawmakers to keep the status quo on load limits and sizes.

While the majority of those behind the wheel of these semis are professional drivers who undergo specific training, it doesn't take much to see the challenges they face when taking these 18-wheelers off the interstates.

Another concern is increased wear and tear on roads, especially with the ever-decreasing federal funds available for road repair.

The chief also points to brake problems seen across the industry, which would only be a bigger problem with heavier loads.

And in cases where trucks with heavier loads are involved in accidents, those wrecks are likely to be even more severe no matter what speed they were traveling.

Even at current levels, the chief said a run-in with a semi would mean almost certain death.