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(Lincoln, NE) As farmers across Nebraska continue their work at harvest time, Gov. Dave Heineman reminded producers of changes made for seasonal harvesting permits.
"Our producers need additional flexibility during this busy time for Nebraska agriculture," Gov. Heineman said. "While the paperwork for permits has been eliminated, Nebraska remains committed to the continued safety of heavy grain load hauling."
During harvest season, Nebraska law allows harvesters to haul grain and other seasonally harvested products to storage, market or stockpile without a permit. Those loads can travel up to 70 miles from their point of origin and are allowed to exceed the maximum legal weight limit by 15 percent on any tandem-axle or multiple-axle vehicle.
For example, a tandem-axle farm truck's legal maximum load is 34,000 pounds. Harvesters this time of year may exceed that load limit to 39,100 pounds. A triple-axle farm truck that is normally allowed to carry 42,000 pounds can temporarily carry up to 48,300 pounds.
Gov. Heineman also reminded the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) of the additional flexibility in state law for producers during the harvest season. NSP Carrier Enforcement monitors grain transportation and requires the owners of harvested goods to provide drivers with a signed statement of product origin and destination. Interstate travel is not allowed.
State law changes for seasonal harvest permits became effective in July 2000. In the past, producers had to purchase permits through the Nebraska Department of Roads and were required to provide a detailed list of their grain hauling destinations.
In a related action to ensure adequate fuel supplies for harvest and truckers, the Governor issued Executive Order #05-08, which extends legal Nebraska sales of higher-sulfur-content diesel fuel until Oct. 5. The original order, #05-06, expired Sept. 15.
PLEASE NOTE: A copy of the new executive order will be posted this afternoon on the Governor's Web site at http://www.gov.state.ne.us.
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