Freshman Congressman John McGuire (R-VA) introduced his first bill on Friday, aiming to reduce transportation costs for Virginia’s agriculture and logging industries by allowing heavier truckloads on the state’s interstate highways.
The “Agriculture and Forestry Hauling Efficiency Act” seeks to align interstate weight limits with those already permitted on state roads, a move supporters say will improve efficiency, safety, and economic competitiveness.
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Currently, trucks carrying unprocessed agricultural and forestry products are restricted to rural and secondary roads due to weight limits on Virginia’s interstates. McGuire’s bill would increase the maximum allowable weight for these vehicles to 90,000 pounds on interstate highways, matching existing state road regulations.
“The logging and agricultural industries in Virginia rely on our high-speed highways to deliver their goods and services across the Commonwealth,” McGuire said in a statement. “For me, this is a safety thing. This bill helps farmers and loggers feed and fuel this country by moving products more efficiently, while also increasing transportation safety.”
The proposal has garnered widespread support from key industry groups, including the Virginia Farm Bureau, the Virginia Loggers Association, and the American Loggers Council.
Scott Sink, CEO of the Virginia Farm Bureau, praised the bill, stating, “Increasing weight limits will make for greater efficiency, reduced truck traffic on rural roads, and alleviate hauling shortages. Virginia Farm Bureau thanks Congressman McGuire for his leadership on this important issue.”
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Ron Jenkins, executive director of the Virginia Loggers Association, emphasized the safety benefits of the legislation. “Keeping our commercial trucks off the available interstates leads to more accidents and fatalities,” Jenkins said. “This legislation is much needed and will improve highway safety for truck drivers and the public.”
McGuire’s proposal has also received support from local law enforcement and fellow lawmakers. New Kent County Sheriff Lee Bailey endorsed the bill, citing its potential to improve road safety. Additionally, Republican Virginia Rep. Rob Wittman has voiced his support for the measure, signaling bipartisan interest in addressing the challenges faced by Virginia’s agriculture and logging sectors.
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A Navy SEAL veteran, McGuire was elected in November 2024 to represent Virginia’s 5th congressional district. Before his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, he served in the Virginia House of Delegates and briefly in the Virginia Senate. His first bill reflects his commitment to supporting Virginia’s rural communities and key industries.
The “Agriculture and Forestry Hauling Efficiency Act” is expected to be referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for further review. If passed, the bill could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar transportation challenges.
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