The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is seeking comments from the public regarding revising the definition of “agricultural commodity” or “livestock” in hours-of-service regulations (HOS).
“The current regulations impose restrictions upon the agriculture industry that lack flexibility necessary for the unique realities of hauling agriculture commodities,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in an official statement.
Currently, drivers transporting agricultural products or livestock are exempt from HOS rules from the commodity’s source to a location within 150 air-miles.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said there is evidence that there may be some confusion about the definition of the terms “agricultural commodity” or “livestock,” and is seeking public comment to evaluate how the current definitions “impact safety, compliance, and enforcement.”
Once published in the Federal Register, the comment period will be open for comment for 60 days. To submit a comment, search for docket number FMCSA-2018-0348 at regulations.gov.
