EazyinWay - Senators Push Fix for Dry Bulk Trucking Penalties Senators Push Fix for Dry Bulk Trucking Penalties

Senators Push Fix for Dry Bulk Trucking Penalties

Published: June 25, 2025
Federal lawmakers have proposed a bipartisan initiative called the VARIANCE Act, which aims to help dry bulk haulers by increasing the allowable axle weight for tandem axles from 34,000 to 37,400 pounds while keeping the overall weight limit of 80,000 pounds intact. This change is designed to combat the common issue of load shifting during transport, which can inadvertently overload front axles and result in penalties for carriers, even if their total weight complies with federal regulations.

The act has garnered strong support from various industry groups including the American Trucking Associations, agriculture organizations, and tank truck associations. They argue that the legislation represents a practical approach to enhancing the efficiency of freight transport without raising the total allowable payload. Specific dry bulk items affected include products like grain and fertilizer, which are susceptible to shifting while in transit.

Stakeholders emphasize that the bill could ease congestion on highways by allowing more trucks to operate efficiently without risking violation of weight limits due to load shifting. As transportation policies are being reviewed, advocates urge that the VARIANCE Act be included in upcoming surface transportation legislation.

In the realm of transportation, this change is seen as an essential step towards creating a more effective and fair regulatory framework that acknowledges the realities of how certain materials behave during transportation. By addressing technical aspects of vehicle weight distribution, this legislation could enhance safety and operational efficiency. As an expert, I believe that fine-tuning regulations like this can lead to better resource management in the trucking industry, ultimately benefiting the economy by improving the flow of goods across the country.
Vehicle Guru

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