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Committee adopts amendment raising weight limits for milk haul combinations and reports bill
Summary
Chairman Nielsen’s amendment to Senate Bill 481 replaces the bill language and raises combination weight limits for milk haulers (95,000 lb for 5‑axle; permits up to 107,000 lb for 6‑axle, 117,000 lb for 7‑axle). Sponsors cited parity with neighboring states and economic relief for dairies; the amendment and bill were reported out of committee.
The House Transportation Committee adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 481 that replaces the bill’s prior language and increases statutory weight limits for vehicles hauling milk in combination transport configurations.
Staff (Kyle) summarized amendment A03643 as allowing milk haul combinations to travel on specified highways, including interstates, with higher weight limits: up to 95,000 pounds for a 5‑axle vehicle, up to 107,000 pounds with a permit for a 6‑axle combination, and up to 117,000 pounds with a permit for a 7‑axle combination. Kyle noted Pennsylvania’s general weight limit is 80,000 pounds and that neighboring New York and Ohio allow limits up to 117,000 pounds.
Chairman Benninghoff described the provision as a bipartisan compromise intended to make Pennsylvania dairy haulers more competitive and to ease logistical challenges during inclement weather or seasonal needs, saying farmers ‘‘don’t stop producing milk’’ and higher limits reduce the need for special negotiations during storms. The committee recorded a single no vote by Representative Thomason on the amendment; all other members present were recorded as aye, and the bill as amended was reported out of committee.
Supporters said the change responds to practical industry needs and aligns Pennsylvania with neighboring states; staff said PennDOT and the administration provisionally negotiated the amendment with the prime sponsor. The committee indicated further conversations may continue as the measure advances.
