The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced it is extending the exemption of the hours-of-service (HOS) requirements for livestock haulers.
The exemptions have been in place since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and have been reviewed and renewed consistently since. The current exemption extension will last through Nov. 30.
Current HOS rules allow for 11 hours of driving time, 14 hours of on-duty time and 10 consecutive hours of rest. Livestock transportation often requires more flexibility than other goods because of animal health and welfare issues.
“I believe FMCSA’s continuation of this exemption indicates their confidence in our producers to keep doing their work safely and effectively while keeping the grocery store shelves stocked with beef,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera in a statement.
