DES MOINES, IA – Iowa is temporarily allowing heavier agricultural truckloads during harvest, giving farmers an opportunity to reduce trips as record diesel prices increase grain transportation costs.
The waiver remains in effect through October 10 and covers corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer, manure, and distillers grains. Eligible trucks can operate up to 90,000 pounds gross weight on Iowa state highways.
Vehicles must remain within specified axle limits and comply with posted road and bridge restrictions. The exemption does not apply to the Interstate Highway System.
The Iowa Corn Growers Association estimates a 500-acre corn farmer could eliminate about 13 truckloads during harvest. A 1,000-acre operation could eliminate roughly 26 loads, reducing fuel use and driver time.
The waiver comes as the U.S. average diesel price reached a record $6.285 per gallon. Fewer trips could help producers offset part of that increase while moving a large corn and soybean crop during the busiest transportation period.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Heavier legal loads can reduce harvest trips and help Iowa producers limit fuel costs while diesel remains historically expensive.