To help haul in this year’s harvest, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Sept. 18 signed a proclamation granting a temporary 60-day weight limit exemption for trucks on Iowa roads. The 2017 Harvest Weight Proclamation increases the weight allowable for shipment of corn, soybeans, hay, straw and stover by 12.5% per axle (up to a maximum of 90,000 pounds) without the need for an oversize or overweight permit.

The waiver applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the federal interstate system. Trucks can’t exceed the truck’s regular maximum by more than 12.5% per axle and must obey the posted limits on all roads and bridges.

Helping farmers harvest, haul 2017 crop
“We sincerely thank Gov. Reynolds for this proclamation,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Recker, a farmer from Arlington. “With the extremely dry conditions across Iowa this year, it’s important that farmers can get their crops out of the field and to market efficiently. We appreciate the governor’s efforts. The harvest weight proclamation is not a right by law, but a petition we as farmers make to the governor who at her sole discretion may choose to grant the increased harvest weight tolerance.”

ICGA made the request in August and worked with the governor’s office to ensure the proclamation moved forward to benefit farmers. The Iowa Department of Transportation monitors the operation of the proclamation to assure the public’s safety by facilitating movement of the trucks involved. Farmers hauling the grain are also required to follow their vehicle safety standards on axle weights.

Weight limit waiver to expire Nov. 17
The exemption began Sept. 18 and will expire Nov. 17. It allows the trucks to be overweight (not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight) without a permit, but only for the duration of the proclamation.

“I’m pleased to sign this proclamation allowing Iowa farmers to move their crops in an effective and efficient manner,” said Reynolds. “Farmers are a critical part of our state’s economy, and this proclamation ensures they’re able to transport their crops from the fields and farms ahead of deteriorating weather conditions, which come later in the fall.”

Source: Iowa Corn Growers Association