The American Farm Bureau Federation is supporting two measures to the pending transportation bill that would make certain farm vehicles exempt from federal motor vehicle regulations that are appropriately aimed at the long-haul trucking industry. The first amendment, introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley and co-sponsored by Senators Patrick Toomey and Roy Blunt, would provide an exemption for farm trucks. Farm Bureau points out regulation – is based solely on weight limits, even a one-ton pickup truck pulling a trailer could be subject to the long-haul regulations.

AFBF President Bob Stallman says, – the amendment is important because some states exempt farm vehicles while others do not. Under the current situation, merely the act of crossing state lines can trigger conflicting requirements for some farmers who are doing nothing more than hauling their own crop, perhaps to market.

The second Farm Bureau-supported amendment would exempt certain farm truck drivers from regulations on maximum driving and on-duty times during harvest and planting seasons. Sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Pat Roberts, the amendment would apply to drivers transporting agricultural commodities within 100 miles of the farm that produced them or those carrying farm supplies for agricultural purposes within 100 miles of the wholesale or retail distribution point.

Courtesy: NAFB News