Bill expands HOS exemption, proposes weight changes

Washington — The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and other agriculture trade groups are lining up in support of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, which was announced on Jan. 31 by House Transportation Committee Chairman John L. Mica (R-Fla.) and other committee members as part of a long-term highway reauthorization bill. The legislation includes the agricultural hours of service (HOS) exemption, but increases the radius exemption for maximum driving and on-duty time for drivers of motor carriers transferring agricultural products at planting or harvest time from 100 air miles to 150 air miles. Supporters say the 150-air-mile radius is needed especially in states like Montana, Oklahoma, and others where greater distances are covered to service agricultural operations. The bill also includes a provision that allows states to increase truck weights through the addition of a sixth axle. “The provision will allow ag retailers to haul more fertilizer with fewer trucks and be more efficient in their transportation movements, ARA’s Richard Gupton told Green Markets. “The additional axle and brakes allows for the increased weight and greater braking power so there are not any additional safety issues.” The truck weight proposal contained in the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act is based on federal legislation known as the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act (H.R. 763, S. 747). In a Jan. 24 letter to Reps. Mica and ranking member Nick J. Rahall II (D-W. Va.), ARA joined the American Farm Bureau Federation and nine other ag groups in urging support for the measure. “As members of the agriculture industry, we are hindered by antiquated transportation rules and regulations that are inconsistent and impede the flow of commerce for agri-businesses,” the letter said. “This measure gives states the option to increase truck-weight limits to 97,000 pounds with inclusion of a sixth axle on trucks. The additional axle maintains the current weight per axle level with the current standard and will also maintain the same braking capacity. This will increase hauling capacity and will result in fewer trucks on the roads, leading to fewer emissions and improved efficiency.” The letter says the federal weight limit has been set at 80,000 pounds for more than 25 years, but “farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses need more efficient ways to transport their goods in order to keep up with increasing demand.”