Bill aims to improve farm transport and rural supply chains
The Fertilizer Institute has shown strong support for a new transportation bill introduced by US lawmakers. The bill, known as the BUILD America 250 Act, focuses on improving rural infrastructure and supporting agriculture.
The proposal is backed by leaders from both political parties. It aims to strengthen roads, bridges, rail crossings, and freight routes that are important for farming communities. These routes help move fertilizers to farms and carry crops to markets.
"A safe, efficient, and modern transportation network is essential to keeping fertilizer and other agricultural inputs moving to farms and getting agricultural products to market," said TFI president and CEO Corey Rosenbusch.
"This legislation recognizes that the roads, bridges, rail crossings, and freight corridors connecting rural America are essential to our nation's infrastructure and economic growth," said Rosenbusch.
The bill places special attention on local roads and bridges. These are often used for first and last-mile delivery, connecting farms to main highways. Many of these roads are old, damaged, or have weight limits, which increases delays and transport costs.
Farm supplies, including fertilizers, rely heavily on trucking. More than 80% of agricultural freight moves by trucks, making road quality very important. Improving rural roads can reduce costs and improve overall supply chain efficiency.
The bill also includes rules to allow small adjustments in load weight for bulk goods like fertilizer. This change will help account for natural movement during transport while maintaining safety standards.
Another key feature is improving seasonal commercial driver licensing for agricultural workers. This will help ensure that enough drivers are available during busy farming seasons.
The proposal also introduces fees for electric and hybrid vehicles. This will help fund road maintenance and contribute to the Highway Trust Fund.
Overall, the bill highlights the importance of rural infrastructure in supporting farmers, supply chains, and the wider economy.