On April 15, 2019, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted the Agricultural and Food Transporters an exemption allowing for new cargo securement methods to be implemented until 2024.
The FMCSA partners with industry, safety advocates, and state and local governments to keep our roadways safe and improve CMV safety.
What does the 5 year Exemption mean for Agricultural and Food Haulers?
"The Agency has determined that the use of certain alternate cargo securement methods will likely maintain a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than the level of safety achieved without the exemption," stated the FMCSA.
So, what does this mean for Agricultural and Food cargo haulers? For the next five years, agricultural commodities can be transported in large singular units using several alternate methods:
Alternative Transport Methods
- Wood and Plastic Boxes & Bins
- Large Fiberglass Tubs
- Hay
- Straw
- Cotton Bales
"This conclusion is based on the results of a comprehensive test program conducted by FMCSA in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the California Trucking Association."
Previously, exemptions were granted to the California ag haulers for one year at a time.
Exemptions
The Agricultural and Food Transportation Industry has several exemptions granted by the FMCSA. For more information regarding these exemptions, visit the FMCSA website.
