Agricultural and Forestry Hauling Efficiency Act
Agricultural and Forestry Hauling Efficiency Act
Plain Language Summary
# Agricultural and Forestry Hauling Efficiency Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would allow Virginia to permit agricultural and forestry trucks to carry up to 90,000 pounds on interstate highways within the state, compared to the current federal limit of 80,000 pounds. The heavier loads would only apply to vehicles transporting unprocessed agricultural crops (like corn or wheat) or raw forest products (like logs, wood chips, or biomass). Currently, Virginia already allows these heavier loads on its non-interstate roads, and this bill would extend that permission to interstate highways. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects Virginia's agricultural and forestry industries, as well as trucking companies that transport these products.
Farmers, logging operations, and related businesses could potentially reduce the number of trips needed to haul their products, lowering transportation costs. It may also have minor impacts on interstate highway maintenance and safety considerations. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by Congress. It was introduced by Representative John McGuire (R-VA).
CRS Official Summary
Agricultural and Forestry Hauling Efficiency ActThis bill allows Virginia to increase the vehicle weight limit for covered agricultural vehicles traveling on interstate highways to 90,000 pounds. Specifically, Virginia may provide a special permit for these covered agricultural vehicles to operate on interstate highways in Virginia.The term covered agricultural vehicle means a vehicle that is transporting (1) unprocessed agricultural crops used for food, feed, or fiber; or (2) raw or unfinished forest products, including logs, pulpwood, rough-sawn green lumber, biomass, or wood chips.Under current law, there is an 80,000 pound overall gross vehicle weight limit for interstate highways, with exceptions. Virginia allows certain agricultural vehicles that do not exceed 90,000 pounds to travel on Virginia highways that are not part of the interstate highway system.
Latest Action
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H845)