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For Immediate Release
February 8, 2012
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Senate Approves Egg Transportation Measure
HARRISBURG – The Senate approved legislation on Monday that would make it
easier to transport eggs in the commonwealth, according to Sen. Mike Brubaker
(R-36).
Senate Bill 1147 would allow egg trucks to exceed the current 80,000-pound
gross weight limit included in the Vehicle Code. The current weight limits
imposed on trucks hauling eggs force operators to transport products at only 85
percent of the vehicle's capacity, translating into increased fuel costs, higher
personnel costs, additional wear and tear on Pennsylvania roads and increased
pressure on the environment.
Brubaker noted that Pennsylvania ranks third nationally in egg production,
producing nearly 7 billion eggs in 2010.
"Egg production and transportation are an important part of the agriculture
community as a whole," Brubaker said. "Higher transportation costs for eggs
result in higher prices to consumers. This measure will help improve efficiency
in Pennsylvania's egg industry to keep costs to consumers as low as possible."
Trucks hauling milk for processing and domestic animal feed may exceed the
weight limit under current law. The proposal would parallel existing language
regulating those activities in the Vehicle Code.
Senate Bill 1147 was amended to include language from Senate Bill 396,
legislation Brubaker introduced last year. The bill was sent to the House of
Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT:
Kristin Crawford
(717) 787-4420
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