H.R.2920 - Vehicle Axle Redistribution Increases Allow New Capacities for Efficiency Act; VARIANCE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2920, the VARIANCE Act, proposes an amendment to Title 23 of the United States Code, specifically Section 127, to allow for an axle weight variance for commercial motor vehicles transporting dry bulk goods. The bill permits these vehicles to exceed the maximum weight on any axle or axle group by up to 10%, excluding the maximum gross vehicle weight limitation. This variance aims to increase efficiency in the transportation of dry bulk goods.
The bill defines 'dry bulk goods' as homogeneous, unmarked, unpackaged, nonliquid cargo transported in trailers specifically designed for that purpose. The Act is introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Crawford and Mr. Carbajal and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The intended outcome is to allow trucks to carry more goods per trip, potentially reducing the number of trips needed and thus lowering transportation costs.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to increase the allowable weight on axles for trucks carrying dry bulk goods. This could lead to more efficient transportation, potentially reducing the number of truck trips required to move the same amount of goods.
This change could impact infrastructure, potentially increasing wear and tear on roads and bridges. It may also affect competition within the trucking industry and potentially impact safety.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Efficiency: Allows trucks to carry more dry bulk goods per trip, potentially reducing transportation costs.
- Reduced Congestion: Fewer trips may be needed to transport the same amount of goods, potentially easing traffic congestion.
- Economic Benefits: Lower transportation costs could lead to lower prices for consumers and increased profitability for businesses.
- Fuel Savings: Fewer trips could result in reduced fuel consumption, benefiting both businesses and the environment.
- Streamlined Logistics: Simplifies logistics for companies dealing with dry bulk goods, making operations more efficient.
Potential Disadvantages
- Infrastructure Strain: Increased axle weights could accelerate wear and tear on roads and bridges, leading to higher maintenance costs.
- Safety Concerns: Higher weights could potentially increase the risk of accidents due to reduced braking efficiency or vehicle instability.
- Competitive Disadvantage: Smaller trucking companies that cannot afford to upgrade their equipment to handle the increased weight limits may be at a disadvantage.
- Enforcement Challenges: Ensuring compliance with the weight variance could pose challenges for law enforcement agencies.
- Environmental Impact: While fewer trips could reduce fuel consumption, the increased weight per trip could also increase emissions.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. By setting standards for axle weight, the federal government is regulating an aspect of interstate transportation.
There are no apparent conflicts with individual liberties or rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights. The legislation does not infringe upon freedom of speech, religion, or any other protected right.
However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and states traditionally have had authority over their own roads. This bill could be seen as an encroachment on state authority, although the federal government's power over interstate commerce is well-established.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).