5 Year Cargo Securement Exemption Approved for Agricultural Loads

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has decided to renew special rules for farm carriers. These rules allow them to use simpler methods of cargo securement. The new rules will last until April 15, 2029.

What the Cargo Securement Exemption Rules Cover

The rules apply to carriers moving farm goods like hay, straw, and cotton bales. They also cover goods packed in:

• Wood or plastic boxes
• Large fiberglass tubs
• Big bundles

With these rules, carriers can use easier methods to secure their loads.

Why the FMCSA Approved the Change

The FMCSA believes these new methods are just as safe as the older ones. In June 2024, the agency gave the rules a six-month trial and asked for public comments. No one sent in comments, so the FMCSA made the rules final.

What Carriers Must Do

Carriers using the new methods must still follow all other safety rules. The Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference (AFTC), which requested the change, must send yearly reports to FMCSA about:

1. Crashes or Problems: AFTC must report any accidents involving carriers using the new methods.
2. Travel and Safety Data: Reports must include miles driven, vehicle types, and details of any crashes.
3. Meetings with FMCSA: AFTC may need to meet with FMCSA to discuss the reports.

States and Federal Rules

While these rules are in effect, no state can block them. States can choose to apply them to their own carriers, but they don’t have to.

Safety Comes First

The FMCSA is confident these rules won’t lower safety. However, the agency can cancel the rules if:

1. Carriers don’t follow them.
2. Safety levels drop.
3. The rules no longer meet federal safety goals.

What These Cargo Securement Rules Mean for Carriers

These changes give farm carriers more flexibility in securing their cargo. The goal is to make their work easier without making the roads less safe. AFTC will report on how these new methods affect safety each year.

The rules will stay in place until 2029 unless safety becomes a concern. The FMCSA’s decision shows support for farm carriers by helping them work more efficiently while keeping safety a priority.

This update highlights the FMCSA’s effort to balance safety with better operations in the trucking industry. As more data comes in, it will show how well these new methods work over time.