The National Grain and Feed Association has joined over 60 agricultural groups asking states to increase their weight limits for trucks. NGFA Vice President of Economics and Government Relations Max Fisher says those weight increases are needed to improve the food and agriculture industry’s efficiency and capacity to deliver essential food, feed and key ingredients to sustain the food supply chain.

He says it’s critical that truck weight limits are harmonized among the states.

Fisher says there’s been an Hours of Service waiver in effect for truckers since early March that’s due to expire after April 12. He says it includes most sectors of agriculture except for grains. Fisher says they’re working to get not only a waiver extension but also one that includes grains.

Iowa and Nebraska are among eleven states that have temporarily suspended rules regarding oversized and overweight loads of food, medical supplies and other goods needed during the Covid 19 pandemic.