Business & Economy
Truck ID enforcement raises farmer, business concerns
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By SAODAT ASANOVA-TAYLOR
Capital News Service
LANSING – The move by the State Police to force commercial vehicles to obtain U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) identification numbers is under fire from some Michigan farmers and small businesses. The federal regulation applies to pickups, vans and trailers that carry equipment and supplies if the vehicle weighs more than 10,001 pounds. Matt Smego, legislative counsel for the Michigan Farm Bureau, said the problem is not obtaining an ID number but complying with the additional regulations and inspections that comes with it. “By having this number, the pickups or trailers may be subjected to inspections that last for up to four hours. This timing is critical for many to run their business and provide jobs,” he said.