By Alex Enlow, Director of Communications and Member Experience, and Richard Gupton, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Counsel
The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) has highlighted to Congress significant challenges in the transportation supply chains that impact U.S. agriculture. Efficient intermodal transportation is crucial for the economic well-being of rural communities and the overall competitiveness in the global economy. Here are key issues, as well as policy support needed from Congress and the administration.
Commercial Trucking
Agricultural retailers heavily depend on commercial drivers for the timely delivery of farm supplies and essential products. However, the industry is grappling with driver shortages and higher shipping costs due to regulatory burdens such as hours of service (HOS) and electronic logging device (ELD) requirements.
The current gross vehicle weight (GVW) limit for federal interstate highways, which is 80,000 lb. on five axles, was established in 1982. This outdated weight restriction has led to more trucks hauling over 80,000 lb. on local roads, exacerbating existing infrastructure issues.
Legislation like the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, which is reauthorized every five years, has far-reaching implications for the agricultural industry. This comprehensive legislation aims to address the nation’s transportation infrastructure needs and ensure the smooth functioning of the supply chain. For the agricultural sector, this legislation offers numerous benefits, including enhanced efficiency, reduced costs and improved connectivity.
Building a resilient and adaptable transportation network is essential for the agricultural industry to thrive in an ever-changing global market. ARA has submitted several policy priorities for inclusion in this critical reauthorization legislation, which needs to be finalized by the end of September 2026.
Congress has already begun working on this legislation, with the House aiming to produce a multiyear reauthorization bill and votes by fall 2025.
In a step to address commercial trucking issues, Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kan., is leading efforts to reform the Seasonal Ag CDL by authorizing online renewals and codifying that implements of husbandry do not count toward the gross combination weight rating.
Additionally, Senators Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., introduced the Vehicle Axle Redistribution Increases Allow New Capacities for Efficiency (VARIANCE) Act this year, which ARA strongly endorses.
This proposal would authorize a 10% axle weight variance for commercial motor vehicles transporting dry bulk goods, like fertilizer, on the Interstate Highway System. This common-sense solution addresses unique challenges posed by the natural shifting of dry bulk cargo during transport, ensuring trucks can operate safely and efficiently without exceeding the maximum gross vehicle weight limit. Granting this variance will improve the efficiency of transporting essential commodities, like fertilizer and grain, and enhance the overall cost-effectiveness and safety of the nation’s infrastructure.
Agricultural retailers, farmers and other supply chain stakeholders rely on policies like this to maintain the steady flow of critical goods that drive the U.S. economy. ARA urged lawmakers to include this vital measure in the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act.
Freight Rail System
U.S. agriculture also relies heavily on a competitive freight rail system, which is vital for distributing crop nutrients and crop protection materials. However, rail carrier consolidation over the past 40 years has led to reduced competition and less reliable service.
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) plays a crucial role in overseeing the rail marketplace. Since 2001, rail rates have doubled due to a lack of competition, affecting manufacturers, agricultural retailers, distributors, farmers and energy producers. Without STB regulatory reform, agricultural productivity will stall, and consumers will face increased food and energy costs.
ARA Transportation Requests
To support the industry, ARA has made several requests to Congress:
- Pass a multiyear surface transportation reauthorization bill.
- Ensure equitable funding for the Highway Trust Fund for all types of vehicles.
- Address highway infrastructure needs without imposing a vehicle miles travel tax.
- Establish a 10% axle weight variance for dry bulk.
- Implement a safety data collection program for six-axle vehicles.
- Allow 18-to-20-year-old CMV drivers to operate across state lines if data supports their safety standards.
- Reform the Seasonal Ag CDL program.
- Eliminate “planting and harvesting” seasonal provisions in HOS regulations.
- Define Class 1 rail carriers’ common carrier obligation and provide clearer oversight rules.
- Increase transparency in rail pricing and promote competition within the rail industry.
The transportation supply chain challenges faced by the agricultural industry require immediate attention and support from policymakers. By addressing these issues and implementing the necessary reforms, the agricultural sector can enhance its productivity, reduce costs and improve its competitiveness in the global market.
The Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act represents a significant step toward building a robust and efficient transportation network that benefits the entire agricultural industry. ARA will continue to advocate for Congress to implement these necessary transportation reforms.
New ARA Member Benefit: LaborLink, ARA’s H-2 Workforce Solution
Finding and keeping dependable labor is a big challenge for agricultural retailers. That’s why ARA partnered with másLabor, the country’s top provider of H-2 visa solutions, to offer members a powerful new benefit called LaborLink — direct access to expert support in navigating the H-2 visa program.
Whether hiring applicators, warehouse operations, delivery logistics, equipment servicing or other roles, this program helps you stay fully staffed and focused on your business. The H-2 visa program enables U.S. employers to legally hire foreign workers for temporary, non-agricultural positions. For agricultural retailers — many of whom require help with logistics, custom application and facility operations — it offers a powerful tool for filling workforce gaps. Once enrolled in LaborLink, you will receive step-by-step support through the process, including:
- Prevailing wage determination
- Job order development
- Application filing
- Worker recruitment
- Compliance documentation
You will also receive tools and templates for onboarding, training, and audits, as well as ongoing support from a dedicated másLabor case manager.
To get started, ARA members can visit this link. Not an ARA member? See membership information at aradc.org/join.
