Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB2920

Introduced
4/17/25  
Refer
4/17/25  

Caption

VARIANCE Act Vehicle Axle Redistribution Increases Allow New Capacities for Efficiency Act

Impact

By introducing a variance in axle weight limitations specifically for commercial vehicles carrying dry bulk goods, HB2920 is expected to facilitate better load management and reduce the number of trips required for transporting these goods. This could lead to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions, contributing positively to transportation efficiency and environmental considerations. However, regulatory changes may also require updates in enforcement mechanisms to ensure safety standards are maintained despite a higher allowable weight.

Summary

House Bill 2920, titled the Vehicle Axle Redistribution Increases Allow New Capacities for Efficiency Act (VARIANCE Act), proposes to amend title 23 of the United States Code to establish a variance in axle weight for certain commercial motor vehicles transporting dry bulk goods. The primary aim of this legislation is to allow these vehicles to exceed the maximum weight limits on their axles by up to 110 percent, providing flexibility in weight distribution and enhancing the operational efficiency of transporting dry bulk goods.

Contention

The bill may face scrutiny regarding safety implications associated with increased axle weights. Opponents might argue that allowing heavier loads could compromise vehicle stability and increase wear on infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Additionally, discussions may arise around the potential competitive imbalance this bill could create between different types of freight transportation, particularly when comparing dry bulk to other types of cargo that do not enjoy similar weight variances.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB3318

To amend title 23, United States Code, to establish an axle weight tolerance for certain commercial motor vehicles transporting dry bulk goods, and for other purposes.

US SB4507

Recalculating Electric Vehicle Efficiency for Accuracy and Legitimacy Act of 2024

US HB3372

To amend title 23, United States Code, to establish a safety data collection program for certain 6-axle vehicles, and for other purposes.

US HB6684

Improving Efficiency to Increase Competition Act

US HB3013

LICENSE Act of 2023 Licensing Individual Commercial Exam-takers Now Safely and Efficiently Act of 2023

US HB10516

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the credit for new clean vehicles, and for other purposes.

US HB10525

To facilitate efficient investments and financing of infrastructure projects and new job creation through the establishment of a National Infrastructure Development Bank, and for other purposes.

US HB471

Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking Act or the SHIP IT Act This bill expands programs and special permits for trucks and truck drivers. Specifically, a state may issue a special permit for certain overweight vehicles based on a Presidential major disaster declaration or a Department of Transportation (DOT) declaration (1) of an emergency (including non-natural or financial), or (2) that the United States supply chain is having issues. Currently, a state may issue a special permit only based on a Presidential major disaster declaration. DOT must also, subject to the availability of funds, award competitive grants to construct or improve commercial vehicle parking facilities. Under the bill, the Department of Labor must provide Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grants for entry level commercial motor vehicle driver training. The bill also establishes a limited tax credit, adjusted annually based on inflation, for eligible commercial driver's license holders. Further, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration must revise certain regulations related to commercial driver's license testing and permits, including to allow a third-party examiner to administer commercial driver's license tests. DOT must also establish a pilot program allowing states to issue permits for qualifying vehicles with six axles or more operating at greater than 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight on a state's Interstate System. (Generally, the federal commercial vehicle weight limit is 80,000 pounds, with some exceptions.) The bill also exempts the battery weight from the gross vehicle weight for certain commercial motor vehicles powered primarily by electric battery power. Finally, existing driving time exemptions are expanded for truck drivers transporting agricultural commodities and farm supplies within a 150-mile radius.

US HB10473

To prevent covered vehicle manufacturers from accessing, selling, or otherwise selling certain covered vehicle data, and for other purposes.

US HB8449

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.