IDFA Praises Committee Passage of Bipartisan Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill

Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), released the following statement today in support of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s approval of the BUILD America 250 Act, the bipartisan, five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill.

“IDFA applauds Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen for their bipartisan leadership in advancing the BUILD America 250 Act through Committee. This legislation makes important investments in America’s roads, bridges, freight mobility, highway safety and motor carrier programs—all of which are essential to keeping people, goods and commerce moving safely and efficiently.

“For dairy processors, a strong transportation network is critical to delivering nutritious dairy foods to families across the country and around the world. Transportation costs are second only to labor costs for dairy, and unnecessary inefficiencies ultimately make it harder and more expensive to deliver milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and dairy ingredients to consumers.

“IDFA is especially pleased that the Committee approved an amendment offered by Congressman Dusty Johnson to authorize a voluntary, state opt-in pilot program allowing six-axle vehicles weighing up to 91,000 pounds to operate on interstate highways. Federal truck weight limits have not been updated since 1982, even as vehicle safety, braking systems, pavement technology and logistics have advanced significantly. A carefully designed pilot program will allow policymakers to evaluate the efficiency benefits of modernizing interstate gross vehicle weight limits while maintaining strong safety standards.

“Allowing six-axle trucks to carry up to 91,000 pounds under a voluntary pilot program could reduce truck trips, ease supply chain pressures and help dairy companies keep costs steady for consumers. We thank Congressman Johnson for his leadership on this commonsense supply chain solution and urge Congress to preserve this important provision as the BUILD America 250 Act moves forward.”