IMPLICATIONS OF THE MOTOR CARRIER ACT OF 1980

The Motor Carrier Act of 1980 contains a number of provisions likely to have an impact on marketing food and agricultural commodities. Easing of entry restrictions and broadening the • scope of operation for existing trucking firms combined with additions to the list of commodities exempt from economic regulation has increased competition for hauling agricultural commodities. Farmer cooperatives have taken limited advantage of • provisions allowing them to enter for-hire truck operations; contract carriers are now permitted to conduct both contract and common carrier operations. Rates now appear to be set in a free market environment and substantial reductions from previous levels have occurred. Certain discounts are now allowed to buyers who pick up grocery products at the seller's warehouse