The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on June 16 held a mark-up on S. 2016, the Surface Transportation Investment Act. One day earlier, the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) joined 55 other agriculture and industry trade groups in a letter expressing support for the Moran-Thune Amendment to the bill, which would modernize the Farm-Related Restricted Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program, also known as the Seasonal Ag CDL program.
The amendment, introduced by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and John Thune (R-S.D.), would provide more flexibility by expanding the total number of days allowed to utilize Seasonal Ag CDL drivers from 180 to 270 days to account for longer seasons, which can fluctuate from year to year due to climate change and more diversified crop production. The amendment also ensures that the new 12-month seasons restart each calendar year on Jan. 1 to prevent any overlap of seasons from the previous year.
“The Seasonal Ag CDL program is critical to ensure ag retailers are able to provide the level of service its farmer customers require at peak times in the growing and harvest season,” said Richard Gupton, ARA Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Counsel. “We are encouraged by the language included in today’s mark-up that would allow Farm-Related Restricted CDLs to restart at the beginning of each calendar year, ensuring days from the previous season are not carried over.”
In May, ARA and more than 50 other trade organizations sent letters to the U.S. House and Senate urging additional reforms to the Seasonal Ag CDL program. These include ensuring that Farm-Related Restricted CDL drivers can also operate Class A commercial vehicles “in recognition of the advances and changes made to light duty pickup trucks, ag equipment, and trailers.” In addition, the ag group coalition also urged Congress to eliminate the requirement for in-person seasonal renewal of the Farm-Related Restricted CDL.
“ARA applauds the leadership by Sens. Moran and Thune, and we look forward to working together to ensure the final bill language is supportive of the ag retailer and the industry they support,” Gupton said. “ARA will continue to work on the other recommendations in the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives related to adding Class A motor vehicles to the program, and allowing online renewals.”