Statutory Amendments Affecting Transportation of Agricultural Commodities and Farm Supplies

FMCSA alerts motor carriers and enforcement officials of two statutory exemptions included in the MAP-21 transportation reauthorization legislation that are applicable to certain motor carriers engaged in the transportation of agricultural commodities and farm supplies. Section 32101 of MAP-21 provides a statutory exemption from the hours-of-service regulations for certain carriers transporting agricultural commodities and farm supplies and section 32934 provides a statutory exemption from most of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for the operation of covered farm vehicles by farm and ranch operators, their employees, and certain other specified individuals under certain specific circumstances. The statutory provisions are self-executing and take effect on October 1, 2012. This notice is intended to ensure that enforcement officials and the motor carriers are aware of the statutory provisions. The Agency will, at a later date, conform the FMCSRs to the statutory provisions.