Rep. John McGuire Introduces His First Bill: The Agricultural and Forestry Hauling Efficiency Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative John McGuire (VA-05), introduced his first bill as a Member of Congress: The Agricultural and Forestry Hauling Efficiency Act. This bill reduces costs for farmers and loggers by increasing supply chain efficiency.

“The logging and agriculture industries in Virginia rely on our high-speed highways to deliver their goods and services across the Commonwealth,” said Rep. John McGuire. “Agriculture and forestry are two of the largest industries in the Commonwealth of Virginia, combining for over $120 billion dollars in annual economic impact. For me, this is a safety thing. On one hand, this bill helps farmers and loggers feed and fuel this country by helping them move product across the Commonwealth, directly from their farms to their processors. But the bill also increases transportation safety. Unlike other states, currently, Virginia loggers are only allowed on our rural roads. I’m proud that the first bill that I introduced in Congress is very important for not only my District, but for the rest of the Commonwealth. I would like to thank Congressman Rob Wittman for supporting this legislation and I want to thank the associations that advocated for this bill.”

“The agriculture and forestry industries, and the economy as a whole, will greatly benefit from increasing the weight limits for haulers of unprocessed agriculture and forest products,” said Scott Sink, President & CEO of the Virginia Farm Bureau. “Increasing weight limits will make for greater efficiency, reduced truck traffic on rural roads, and alleviate hauling shortages during peak harvest seasons. Virginia Farm Bureau thanks Congressman McGuire for his leadership on this important issue.”

“The Virginia Loggers Association is grateful to Congressman John McGuire for bringing forth legislation to increase the hauling weight of unprocessed agricultural crops and raw and unrefined forest products on interstate highways,” said Ron Jenkins, Executive Director of the Virginia Loggers Association. “Virginia approved a maximum weight of 90,000 on non-interstate highways in 2015 but this did not apply to interstate highways. Keeping our commercial trucks off the available interstates leads to more accidents and fatalities. This legislation is much needed and will improve highway safety for truck drivers and our public.”

“In order to improve transportation safety, increase transportation efficiency, improve mpg and reduce fuel consumption, and reduce emissions, Congressman McGuire introduced legislation to allow agricultural commodities to travel the safest route on interstates at weights that are already authorized in Virginia on local and state roads,” said Scott Dane, Executive Director of the American Loggers Council. “Many other states have this authorization on their respective interstates through prior legislation.  The American Loggers Council strongly endorses this legislation and appreciates Congressman McGuire's leadership on improving the safety of Virginia roads and improving transportation efficiency."

The Agricultural and Forestry Hauling Efficiency Act is supported by the Virginia Loggers Association, Virginia Farm Bureau, American Loggers Council, Virginia Forestry Association, Virginia Forest Products Association, New Kent County Sheriff Lee Bailey, and several private businesses in Virginia’s logging, transportation, and insurance industries.
 

Background:

• This is the first bill that Rep. John McGuire introduced as a Member of Congress.
   
• The Agricultural and Forestry Hauling Efficiency Act increases the federal maximum weight allowance from 80,000 pounds to 90,0000 pounds on interstate highways for trucks that are hauling agricultural and forest products, ensuring a safer and more efficient transportation system while reducing congestion and fatalities on secondary roads.
   
• The Commonwealth of Virginia authorized a 90,000-pound weight limit for trucks hauling unprocessed agricultural crops and raw forest products on non-interstate highways in 2015.
   
• The current limit is 80,000 pounds for interstates versus 90,000 pounds on Virginia's primary highways.
   
• This legislation decreases accident risks, protects local infrastructure, and increases efficiency for our farmers and foresters.
   
• Read the text of the bill here.

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