Louisiana Eases Restrictions to get Hay to Texas

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) _ Louisiana’s agriculture and forestry commissioner says oversized loads of hay going to Texas don’t have to meet the usual size restrictions or pay permit fees through Sept. 30.

Mike Strain says that will let Louisiana farmers send more hay at the lowest possible cost to help drought-stricken cattle farmers in Texas.

He says Louisiana’s departments of Transportation and Development, Public Safety, and Revenue will allow securely bound, round hay bales side-by-side on trailers up to 12 feet across and 14 feet high.

Carriers, owners and drivers must verify beforehand that the loads’ dimensions and weight are acceptable for all routes traveled, and are within weight limits for bridges and other structures. Vehicles must have proper mirrors, and the oversize vehicles may only travel during daylight.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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