House Bill to Redefine Commercial Vehicle

MSinger

Expert Expediter
I copied and pasted this from the news section. I thought it warranted discussion. I don't think it will ever pass but I would like to see it bumped up above 10,001 a little. Going all the way up to 26,000 may be a hard sell though. What do you all think??



A U.S. House bill would change the federal definition of commercial motor vehicles to include only those that weigh more than 26,000 pounds.

The bill’s sponsor, U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, D-Okla., said the legislation would help Oklahoma farmers.

“Oklahoma borders six other states, and our farmers often need to cross those state lines,†Boren said. “I am hearing from farmers across my district who are already facing fines from these regulations that were never meant to apply to them in the first place.â€

Federal motor carrier regulations give states discretion in deciding whether in-state vehicles under 26,001 pounds are considered commercial vehicles, but those crossing state lines are held to the federal standard of 10,001 pounds. H.R. 1757 would change the definition of a commercial motor vehicle to include only those that exceed 26,000 pounds, which Boren says makes it consistent with most states’ laws.

The bill doesn’t change safety standards for vehicles of any weight that transport 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials.

Classification as a commercial motor vehicle requires farmers and ranchers to hold a CDL, obey hours-of-service regulations and register their vehicles with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

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2002 GMC Savana 3500 DRW 15' cube 10,000 GVWR
 

Jefferson3000

Expert Expediter
“Oklahoma borders six other states, and our farmers often need to cross those state lines,†Boren said. “I am hearing from farmers across my district who are already facing fines from these regulations that were never meant to apply to them in the first place.â€
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Hmm, I had thought that those engaged in farming were exempt from regulations concerning interstate travel. It would obviously affect more than just farming. This is definitely one of those bills to watch as, not unlike this post, it seems to have slipped through the cracks with so many other pressing news items such as the Mexico debate. I am definitely interested in how this would affect trucking as a whole.

Drive Safe!

Jeff

Driver for 15 years
O/O for 13 years
OOIDA #829119
 

greg334

Veteran Expediter
I think instead of changing the definitions, just exempt them on the state level instead with some sort of colalition. They did it for the non-profits so why not for the farmer too.
 
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