Dry Bulk Axle Variance

Summary#

This bill, called the VARIANCE Act, would amend section 127 of title 23, United States Code. It adds a new subsection named "Dry Bulk Axle Weight Variance." Under this change, a commercial motor vehicle transporting dry bulk goods may carry up to 110 percent of the maximum weight allowed on any axle or axle group described in subsection (a). The 110 percent limit includes any enforcement tolerance. The change does not affect the maximum gross vehicle weight limitation. The bill defines "dry bulk goods" as homogeneous, unmarked, unpackaged, nonliquid cargo transported in a trailer specifically designed for that purpose.

What it means for you#

  • Carriers and drivers who transport dry bulk goods would be allowed to load up to 110% of the usual per-axle or axle-group weight limits, while still keeping any overall gross vehicle weight at or below its legal maximum.
  • Law enforcement and weight inspectors would apply the 110% per-axle allowance, including any enforcement tolerance, when the cargo meets the bill's definition of dry bulk goods.
  • No publicly available information on how the change would be implemented across states or specific roads.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on costs or savings to the Federal Government, State governments, localities, businesses, or other parties is provided in the bill text or metadata.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.