Search Icon
Contact Event Calendar
Become a Member DC Helpdesk Member Sign In
Become a Member DC Helpdesk Member Sign In

Transportation & Infrastructure

Supply chain disruptions and transportation challenges continue to cause major challenges for the ag industry. Ag retailers need modernized and preserved U.S. inland waterways and freight rails that connect thousands of US manufacturers, farmers and energy producers with consumers. This is crucial for ag retailers to continue to feed and fuel America’s ag economy and global competitiveness.

ARA Position

  • Support expansion and permanence of the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program to include all 18- to 20-year-old commercial drivers.
  • Support exemptions from FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements for agricultural retailers and agribusinesses.
  • Support DOT authority to preempt overly burdensome state and local hazmat regulations.
  • Support reform of the Hazardous Materials Safety Program (HMSP).
  • Support continued infrastructure investments in highways, bridges, locks, inland waterways, and ports through WRDA and other programs.
  • Support reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and provisions enhancing shipper rights and competition.
  • Support expansion of Hours of Service (HOS) exemptions, including up to a 200 air-mile radius for farm supply transporters.
  • Support legislation for a pilot program allowing for increasing GVW truck weights with a sixth axle on the Interstate system.
  • Support a 10% axle variance for dry bulk (H.R. 2920 – VARIANCE Act).
  • Maintain the $750,000 minimum financial responsibility requirement.
  • Support rural broadband expansion through accurate mapping, increased funding, and coordination.
  • Ensure FERC maintains “just and reasonable” pipeline rates.
  • Support equitable Highway Trust Fund contributions across all vehicle and fuel types.
  • Support legislation modernizing seasonal ag CDLs and codifying implements of husbandry (Seasonal Ag CDL Modernization Act – H.R. 4601 / S. 2909).
  • Oppose one-size-fits-all speed limiter mandates.
  • Work on safety standards for storage, handling, and transport of anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks.
  • Support policies that ensure just, reasonable, and transparent rail rates, promote reliable service, and protect the rights of captive agricultural shippers, including access to meaningful regulatory remedies where effective rail competition does not exist.
  • Support pragmatic emissions policies that reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens on agriculture, address operational challenges such as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system failures, and strengthen domestic fertilizer production, supply chain resilience, and farm competitiveness.

ISSUES PAPER

Each year, ARA members decide a new set of public policy issues to steer the association's advocacy efforts with elected officials and regulatory agencies in Washington during the annual ARA Legislative Fly-In and beyond.

View the list of main policy priorities.

MAIN PRIORITIES

ARA at Work

ARA launched a new member service to help ag retailers save money and train more truck drivers while helping them comply with the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements established in 2022, which have increased operating costs on agribusinesses up to $8,000 per driver and serve as a barrier to entry for individuals interested in obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

By partnering with the National Propane Gas Association's (NPGA) ACE Services, ARA's member service provides the resources needed for behind-the-wheel training to be done in-house with a qualified instructor. Since February 2022, this program has helped more than 2,300 users and trained more than 3,000 drivers.

READ MORE

"Obtaining CDL drivers in ag retail is becoming more challenging each year," said Blake Griffin with GreenPoint Ag in Stuttgart, Arkansas.

"Using the services available from our ARA membership offers a quick and affordable resource for training new drivers for our location. It allows existing employees to obtain a license without the challenges pertaining to work absence or the high schooling cost. We are able to keep the training internal and on our own schedule."

Serving as the FMCSA Registered Training Provider, this program handles:

  • FMCSA paperwork and filings;
  • FMCSA audits; and
  • Training materials and training equipment guidance to meet FMCSA requirements.

SIGN UP

DC Help Desk

ARA's DC Help Desk member service is a direct line to ag public policy experts. Send regulatory and legislative questions to the DC Help Desk for support. ARA members may also use this service to request help when scheduling a facility tour with their elected official in Congress.

DC HELP DESK