HAULS Act Expands Hours of Service Flexibility for Livestock Haulers
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) recently introduced legislation that would provide greater flexibility in the safe transportation of livestock and livestock products. The Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act addresses the Hours of Service (HOS) rules, which govern the amount of time commercial truckers can drive their loads and when they are required to rest between drives.
The HAULS Act would eliminate the requirement that ag and livestock HOS exemptions only apply during state-designated planting and harvesting seasons; amend and clarify the definition of “agricultural commodities” to include livestock and animal feed, based on feedback provided by agriculture and livestock organizations; and authorize a 150 air-mile exemption from HOS requirements on the destination side of a haul for ag and livestock haulers.
“Ag and livestock haulers are essential to ensuring Nebraska food and fuel make it across the country. Their vital work has been further highlighted by their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am proud to introduce the HAULS Act, which builds on my previous work to ensure ag and livestock haulers can continue feeding our nation,” Fischer said in a release.
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) strongly supports the legislation, and has been working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic on HOS waivers for the transportation of livestock and livestock feed. Recently the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration FMCSA extended its COVID emergency declaration for HOS waivers through the end of the year, ensuring the continuity of the U.S. pork supply chain, NPPC said in Capital Update.
"For years livestock haulers and producers were unduly burdened with Hours Of Service regulations that do not take into account the unique difficulties that these drivers face every day. The COVID-19 pandemic has only further illustrated how important it is to allow these drivers to quickly and safely reach their destinations, and in turn keep grocery store shelves stocked with beef,” National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Marty Smith said in a release.
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