The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration approved an extension of the exemption from hours-of-service (HOS) requirements for livestock haulers through the end of November.
The announcement made on Aug. 31 will allow livestock haulers flexibility to promote the well-being of livestock during hauls, and to keep grocery stores stocked, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) said in a release.
Livestock haulers have been operating under an HOS exemption since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and maintaining a strong safety record.
Current HOS rules allow for 11 hours of drive time, 14 hours of on-duty time, and then require 10 consecutive hours of rest.
“When transporting livestock, there is a real need for further flexibility beyond the current hours-of-service. Unlike drivers moving consumer goods, livestock haulers cannot simply idle or unload their trucks when drive time hours run out without jeopardizing animal health and welfare,” NCBA said in a release.
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