U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) and Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) have introduced “Vehicle Axle Redistribution Increases Allow New Capacities for Efficiency” or the VARIANCE Act, enabling heavy duty truck operators to optimize aggregate, cementitious material or other non-liquid loads.
The VARIANCE Act, H.R. 2920, amends Section 127 of title 23, United States Code so that “a commercial motor vehicle transporting dry bulk goods may not exceed 110 percent of the maximum weight on any axle or axle group.” The provision addresses certain fleets’ tendencies to underload by several thousand pounds to account for the potential of load shifting onto an axle. Hence, H.R. 2920 would allow construction material haulers to confidently fill dump bodies or powder tankers closer to 80,000-lb. gross vehicle weight limits.
“This bill is a smart, targeted solution that reflects the operational realities of the dry bulk segment,” said National Tank Truck Carriers CEO Ryan Streblow. “By aligning axle weight flexibility with the design and functionality of dry bulk trailers, we can improve efficiency, reduce highway congestion, and enhance safety – all without increasing wear on infrastructure. Many carriers underload dry bulk product today as a result of not having this flexibility. Allowing them to maximize the current gross vehicle weight will reduce the number of commercial dry bulk trucks on the road.”
The VARIANCE Act has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. NTTC urges swift consideration and passage “to support modern, efficient freight operations across the nation.”
