Virginia Trucking Waiver Clears the Way for Hay Hauling
Virginia has approved a 30-day emergency trucking waiver to help move hay to livestock producers affected by drought. The order eases certain hours-of-service and highway-width restrictions beginning Oct. 1, allowing larger and more frequent hay shipments before the onset of freezing weather.
Waiver targets emergency hay deliveries
The temporary measure is intended to reduce transportation costs and speed deliveries of hay from outside Virginia to farms across the state. By relaxing select trucking restrictions, officials aim to help carriers move larger emergency loads directly to livestock producers.
The waiver will remain in effect for 30 days. Specific requirements related to safe vehicle operation and other applicable transportation rules remain in place.
Virginia hay production falls sharply
Hay production across Virginia is estimated to be down about 35% following a dry start to the season. Some of the hardest-hit areas have reported declines of as much as 70%, increasing pressure on livestock producers to secure supplemental supplies.
Recent rainfall has provided some relief and is helping farmers begin rebuilding hay inventories. However, supplies remain limited in several regions, making timely deliveries important as colder weather approaches.
Emergency trucking relief remains in effect for fuel haulers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has separately waived certain hours-of-service requirements for interstate gasoline and diesel haulers through Dec. 16. That action was intended to support fuel availability and transportation capacity amid supply and demand concerns.
