NTTC Applauds Inclusion of Dry Bulk Axle Variance Language in BUILD America 250 Act
Washington, D.C. — National Tank Truck Carriers yesterday welcomed the release of the BUILD America 250 Act, a bipartisan five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill introduced by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen. The legislation would authorize major federal investments in roads, bridges, freight mobility, rail transportation, and highway and motor carrier safety programs through 2031 while also advancing reforms focused on project delivery, infrastructure modernization, innovation, and supply chain efficiency.
Included in the proposed bill is dry bulk axle variance language, a Tier 1 legislative priority for NTTC. The provision would allow a 10% axle variance for commercial motor vehicles transporting dry bulk goods by increasing the maximum weight on any tandem axle trailer to 37,400 pounds while maintaining the current federal gross vehicle weight limit of 80,000 pounds.
NTTC has long supported the measure as a commonsense solution that reflects the operational realities of transporting dry bulk commodities, which naturally shift during transit. The change would improve operational flexibility for carriers while reducing unnecessary overweight citations without increasing total vehicle weight.
“The inclusion of dry bulk axle variance language in this legislation is an important step forward for the tank truck industry,” said NTTC President & CEO Ryan Streblow. “This targeted fix recognizes the unique characteristics of dry bulk transportation and provides practical flexibility for carriers while maintaining the existing federal gross vehicle weight limit. NTTC appreciates Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, and committee leaders for including this longstanding industry priority in the bill.”
Beyond the axle variance provision, the BUILD America 250 Act includes significant investments and policy reforms impacting the transportation sector, including expanded freight infrastructure programs, bridge funding, truck parking investments, highway safety initiatives, rail safety improvements, and the establishment of a federal framework for autonomous commercial motor vehicles. The legislation also includes measures intended to strengthen the Highway Trust Fund and improve the efficiency of transportation project delivery nationwide.
Committee leaders are expected to formally introduce the legislation soon as Congress works toward completing a long-term surface transportation reauthorization before the current authorization expires on September 30, 2026.
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