Earlier this year, lawmakers introduced a bill aimed at giving dry-bulk tanker operators more flexibility on axle weight distribution-without compromising overall vehicle safety. While the Variance Act has not yet been passed into law, its introduction has sparked important conversations about balancing regulatory efficiency and road safety in the trucking industry.

For carriers transporting grain, feed, plastic pellets, and other dry bulk goods, the bill represents a potential step toward reducing operational burdens caused by uneven axle loading.

Understanding the Proposed Changes

The Variance for Axle Loads in Necessary Equipment (VARIANCE) Act, introduced by Reps. Rick Crawford (R-AR) and Salud Carbajal (D-CA), proposes a simple yet impactful change. It would allow a 10 percent variance in tandem axle weight limits-shifting the allowable limit from 34,000 to 37,400 pounds-without altering the federal gross vehicle weight (GVW) cap of 80,000 pounds.

This variance would only apply to dry-bulk cargo, such as agricultural commodities or plastic resins. These goods often shift during transit, unintentionally causing axle overloads despite staying well within overall vehicle weight limits.

Why This Matters to the Industry

The existing rule structure makes it difficult for dry-bulk haulers to comply, especially when internal load shifting causes slight, unintentional violations of axle limits. This leads to unnecessary penalties and enforcement issues, despite the fact that the truck is otherwise operating safely.

Allowing for this modest weight shift:

• Reduces the risk of citations for minor axle variance
• Improves efficiency by optimizing trailer capacity
• Eases pressure on drivers and dispatchers
• Potentially reduces truck traffic, since more goods can be moved per trip

Proponents argue that the Variance Act reflects practical realities of dry-bulk transportation and creates a safer, more efficient trucking environment-without raising the total weight on U.S. roads.

Where Things Stand in November

As of November, the Variance Act has not yet advanced beyond the committee stage in Congress. However, it continues to gain traction among industry groups, fleet operators, and lawmakers seeking to modernize federal trucking regulations.

In the meantime, carriers should continue to monitor developments closely, especially as policymakers weigh infrastructure priorities heading into the new year. There is also growing recognition that regulatory flexibility-when supported by data and safety considerations-can significantly improve supply chain performance.

Final Thoughts

The Variance Act is not about pushing the limits of freight weight. It is about acknowledging the practical challenges of hauling bulk materials and providing truckers with regulatory breathing room that aligns with how dry goods behave during transit.

If passed, this bill could represent a win-win for both carriers and consumers, improving delivery efficiency while maintaining road safety. As the trucking industry continues to navigate evolving freight demands, common-sense reforms like this are worth watching.

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