TFI calls for fertilizer trucking exemptions: Update

Adds comments from TFI throughout.

Industry group The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is urging the US Department of Transportation to include ammonia and other fertilizers in its hours-of-services exemption for truck drivers.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on 13 March lifted regulations restricting how long truckers can drive without taking a break for carriers transporting medical supplies and relief to help combat the coronavirus outbreak in the US.

The emergency declaration was limited to commercial distributors, but TFI is calling for FMCSA to broaden its exemptions to fertilizer shippers as peak spring application demand approaches.

"With the spring planting season upon us, and with a quickly evolving situation, we want to ensure farmers receive the nutrient inputs they need to protect our food supply," TFI said yesterday in a letter to members.

TFI director of government affairs Justin Louchheim said members have raised concerns about potential supply chain disruptions stemming from measures put in place to stunt the spread of coronavirus.

"Farmers will not have much to ship if they do not have fertilizer," Louchheim said.

TFI has maintained a dialogue with FMCSA and plans to send a letter to the White House this week asking for fertilizer shippers to be included in the HOS exemption, Louchheim said.

Transporters of agricultural commodities and supplies, including fertilizers, are not required to comply with hours of services (HOS) guidelines if operating within a 150-air mile radius from the origin of loading, according to FMCSA. HOS regulations become applicable when servicing orders beyond the 150-air mile radius threshold.

By Connor Hyde