Lawmakers discuss federal CDL and weigh-station rules; sponsor seeks federal clarification

Sen. Barry Usher presented Senate Joint Resolution 3 to the Transportation Committee, seeking a letter to federal authorities asking for clearer guidance on when vehicle trips are considered commercial for CDL and weigh-station requirements.

Usher described multiple scenarios that he said produce inconsistent enforcement. “The intent is what the commercial weigh stations guys tell me and DOT tells me,” he said, explaining that the same vehicle and trailer could be treated differently depending on whether the driver intended to sell goods or transport them for personal use. Usher said the resulting confusion affects small-business owners and rural residents, and that he would seek input from Montana’s federal delegation if the resolution passes.

Eric Belford, administrator for motor carrier services at the Montana Department of Transportation, told the committee that federal and state regulations are written on weight and described safety reasons behind enforcement. Belford said the regulations have “always been written on weight” during his 28 years of service and noted that safety and other factors beyond weight are considered under CDL rules.

Sarah Swanson, commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, appeared as an informational witness at the sponsor’s request to discuss workforce implications. Swanson said Montana employs about 6,740 truck drivers, with an average wage of roughly $27.36 per hour (about $56,600 annually). She said the department projects a recurring shortage of about 983 CDL truck drivers per year through 2033 and described 12 training programs in Montana, some supported with federal WIOA funds and prior ARPA workforce dollars. “We project that there are 983 expected CDL truck driver shortages in Montana every year from now through 2033,” Swanson said.

Committee members pressed the DOT witness on the distinction between private (noncommercial) moves and commerce, farm exemptions, and thresholds that trigger medical or CDL requirements. Belford said that medical requirements apply at vehicle weights over 10,001 pounds for interstate commerce and that CDL thresholds typically start at 26,001 pounds in interstate operations; he noted different applications when a vehicle stays solely within Montana.

No formal vote on the resolution was recorded in the hearing; the committee closed the hearing after questions and indicated the sponsor may add language. Usher said he would pursue follow-up meetings with the federal delegation and sought suggestions from committee members for additional whereas clauses.

The hearing record includes detailed exchanges between senators and both DOT and Labor officials about enforcement, intent, weight thresholds, and workforce training availability. The resolution seeks only to request federal clarification; it does not change state law.