June 18, 2025
Mr. Ricketts (for himself and Mr. Schiff) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works
To amend title 23, United States Code, to establish an axle weight variance for certain commercial motor vehicles transporting dry bulk goods, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Vehicle Axle Redistribution Increases Allow New Capacities for Efficiency Act
or the VARIANCE Act
.
Sec. 2. Axle weight variance for the transportation of dry bulk goods
Section 127 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
(z) Axle weight variance for the transportation of dry bulk goods
(1) Definition of dry bulk goods
In this subsection, the term dry bulk goods means a homogeneous, unmarked, unpackaged, nonliquid cargo being transported in a trailer specifically designed for that purpose.
(2) Weight variance
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, except for the maximum gross vehicle weight limitation, a commercial motor vehicle transporting dry bulk goods may not exceed 110 percent of the maximum weight on any axle or axle group described in subsection (a), including any enforcement tolerance.