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Freedom to Haul Act

12/29/2022, 6:18 PM

Summary of Bill HR 8412

The Freedom to Haul Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 8412, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to remove certain restrictions on truck drivers in order to increase efficiency and flexibility in the transportation industry.

One of the key provisions of the Freedom to Haul Act is the elimination of the federal requirement for truck drivers to take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 hours. This rule has been in place for several years as a safety measure to prevent driver fatigue, but proponents of the bill argue that it is unnecessary and hinders productivity.

Additionally, the bill seeks to allow truck drivers to use their sleeper berths for up to 16 hours in a 24-hour period, as opposed to the current limit of 10 hours. This change would give drivers more flexibility in managing their rest periods and could potentially lead to more efficient use of their time on the road. Overall, the Freedom to Haul Act aims to streamline regulations for truck drivers and provide them with more autonomy in managing their schedules. Supporters of the bill believe that these changes will lead to increased productivity and cost savings for the transportation industry, while opponents argue that they could compromise safety on the roads. The bill is currently under review in Congress, and its ultimate fate remains uncertain.

Congressional Summary of HR 8412

Freedom to Haul Act

This bill exempts from federal-aid highway vehicle weight limitations a five-axle truck tractor-semitrailer combination vehicle operating on a segment of the Interstate System if it:

  • has a gross vehicle weight of 97,000 pounds or less;
  • has three rear axles on the tractor of such vehicle; and
  • complies with the single axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula limits.

Current Status of Bill HR 8412

Bill HR 8412 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 18, 2022. Bill HR 8412 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on July 18, 2022.  Bill HR 8412's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. as of July 19, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 8412

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 8412

Primary Policy Focus

Transportation and Public Works

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 8412

Freedom to Haul Act
Freedom to Haul Act
To amend title 23, United States Code, with respect to vehicle weight limitations, and for other purposes.

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