SC&RA advocacy delivers regulatory wins, tariff relief and policy progress

SC&RA’s mission each year is to strengthen the industry through effective advocacy, engagement and education. In 2025, the Association delivered for both specialized transportation and crane & rigging members, securing exemptions, shaping legislation and elevating the industry’s voice at every level of government. From regulatory and tariff challenges to safety and infrastructure issues, SC&RA is reducing obstacles while advancing policies that protect members’ interests and promote long-term growth.

SC&RA is working with law enforcement across North America to support standardized weighing procedures for overweight mobile cranes.

In 2025, SC&RA secured a provisional renewal of the 30-minute rest break exemption through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Effective June 17, 2025, the renewal ensured no lapse following the previous exemption and will remain in place until December 17, 2025, when SC&RA expects a full renewal of the exemption for the next five-years.

Regulatory response

At the same time, the Association mobilized members around tariffs imposed by Executive Order 14257 on cranes, crane parts and specialized transportation equipment. Working with coalitions and attorneys in Washington, D.C., SC&RA underscored how tariffs increase costs and threaten access to critical materials. In May, SC&RA also met with senior policy representatives at the U.S. Trade Representative’s office to outline the essential role this industry plays in global construction and infrastructure.

To that end, along with the Florida Crane Owners Association, Texas Crane Owners Association, Northwest Crane Owners Association, Crane Owners Association and the Mobile Crane Operators Group, SC&RA sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick urging consideration of industry realities during trade negotiations.

Expanding outreach

State-level gains also stood out in 2025. In Florida, SB 1662 was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 18, allowing cranes to travel at night. Effective July 1, the law eases congestion, improves safety and strengthens the industry’s ability to respond in emergencies. SC&RA commended the Florida Crane Owners Association for their leadership and commitment throughout the process.

Earlier in the year, SC&RA visited Capitol Hill to meet with Rep. Tom Kean (NJ-7), discussing fraudulent and double-brokering, rail crossing safety, administration appointments and prospects for surface transportation reauthorization.

In 2025, SC&RA secured a provisional renewal of the 30-minute rest break exemption through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The Association also supported Texas SB 30/HB 4806 through the Lonestar Economic Alliance, a tort reform bill aimed at curbing artificially inflated medical bills that lead to nuclear verdicts. While the measure was unsuccessful, SC&RA continues to support tort reform efforts across the states and is expanding outreach to the Tort Reform Association and other aligned groups.

“Our members rely on us to push back against policies that threaten their ability to operate safely and competitively,” said SC&RA CEO Joel Dandrea. “Tort reform is about more than reducing costs – it’s about creating an environment where companies can plan, grow and succeed with confidence, knowing they have the most reliable path forward.”

Network alignment

Environments being what they are, earlier this year, SC&RA launched a Railroad & Utilities Task Force to address the unique challenges of moving oversize/overweight loads across rail networks and utility corridors. By engaging railroads, utility providers and logistics partners, the task force will ensure member needs are considered in industry decisions while improving efficiency, safety and competitiveness. Additionally, SC&RA is also working with law enforcement across North America to support standardized weighing procedures for overweight mobile cranes.

SC&RA is delivering for both specialized transportation and crane & rigging members, securing exemptions, shaping legislation and elevating the industry’s voice at every level of government.

SC&RA, through the Construction Industry Safety Coalition, submitted formal comments to OSHA this year on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. The comments emphasized the need for flexibility and performance-based standards that address industry realities. Previous comments were submitted in response to OSHA’s “potential standard” on the same subject.

At the state level, SC&RA filed comments in both April and June with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries regarding revisions to Chapter 296-155 WAC Safety Standards for Construction Work, Part L, Cranes, Rigging and Personnel Lifting. The Association provided feedback on tower crane permits, safety requirements and scoping questions as regulators consider updates to the state’s approach.

“These types of efforts underscore SC&RA’s responsibility to make sure our members’ voices are heard wherever policy and regulation are being shaped,” said Beth O’Quinn, Senior Vice President, Crane & Rigging. “Whether it’s OSHA at the federal level or state agencies revisiting crane safety, our focus is on ensuring any new standards are practical, performance-driven and ultimately support safe and efficient operations.”

Progress also continued on automation and harmonization. In Massachusetts, identical bills were filed in both chambers of the legislature to increase the superload threshold from 130,000 pounds GVW – the lowest in New England – to 199,000 pounds GVW. The bill was heard by the Senate transportation committee in early October as action on this reform is advancing rapidly. This step aligns Massachusetts with neighboring states, reduces costly engineering and route surveys and advances SC&RA’s multi-year effort to harmonize state policy for safer, more efficient interstate commerce.

North Dakota Highway Patrol also updated its approach, now allowing single trip permits, when good cause is shown, for oversize and overweight vehicles – as authorized by section 39-12-02 NDCC and Article 38-06 NDAC. Previously, weight limits constrained cranes operating as single units. The change, driven by long-standing positive relationships between SC&RA and state officials, permits movement through bridging with the automated system.

Focused on results

In Tennessee, inconsistent delays in superload permit approvals remain a challenge. Following direct discussions with SC&RA, the Tennessee DOT agreed to meet with members to explore improvements to its permit software and queue policy, which is based upon travel date rather than the more common application date. SC&RA also created resources – including letters and talking points – to support members navigating delays, while convening a coalition of interested members to push for additional reforms.

From regulatory and tariff challenges to safety and infrastructure issues, SC&RA is reducing obstacles while advancing policies that protect members’ interests and promote long-term growth.

California likewise signaled progress, with Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol announcing plans to submit a grant request to FMCSA for 100 percent federal funding to implement a 24/7 auto-issue permit system. California remains the largest of just six states without such a system, though recent adoption in Connecticut, Oregon and Wyoming underscores the momentum. SC&RA, alongside the California Trucking Association, California Transportation Permit Advisory Council, a group of OS/OW carriers and state officials there have long pressed for this move.

In Maryland, the State Highway Administration now allows 24/7 travel for loads up to 400,000 pounds with approval by permit staff. Approval will be granted after review of factors such as travel locations, dimensions and history.

The shift eliminates a longstanding curfew around the Port of Baltimore that often delayed the export of high and heavy breakbulk commodities. Officials attributed the change directly to their participation in SC&RA’s Specialized Transportation Symposium and the ensuing discussions with members.

“These wins and initiatives highlight the power of a coordinated voice for specialized transportation,” said Chris Smith, SC&RA Vice President, Transportation. “Our goal is always the same – to address immediate challenges while ensuring members are positioned for long-term success.”

Building tomorrow

In August 2025, SC&RA sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick specifically addressing steel and aluminum tariffs. The letter requested modifications to Section 232 steel orders – urging reductions for unavailable ultra-high-strength steel and for cranes, rigging and specialized transportation equipment not produced domestically.

It also emphasized that Association members need time to plan and complete long-term orders to acquire certain cranes, rigging and specialized transportation equipment under established tariff and cost structures to meet customer requirements in critical sectors of national security.

SC&RA applauded the confirmation of Derek Barr as administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The Association also continued to work diligently in anticipation of the 2026 Congressional reauthorization of federal surface transportation programs.

Added Dandrea, “Our work is never done – because the challenges our members face are constantly evolving. What doesn’t change is our commitment to detail, our focus on results and the value we deliver. Every initiative, every comment, every partnership is about ensuring our members have the tools, resources and advocacy they need to succeed today and the foundation to thrive tomorrow.”