Livestock haulers have continued to receive extensions to hours-of-service (HOS) rule exemptions as a result of difficulties from the COVID-19 pandemic, but a recently introduced bill aims to make flexibility more permanent.
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), member of the Senate Commerce Committee and chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety, has introduced the Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act, S. 4720, which would provide livestock haulers flexibility and relief from HOS rules.
“Ag and livestock haulers are essential to ensuring Nebraska food and fuel make it across the country,” Fischer said. “Their vital work has been further highlighted by their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The new legislation is applauded by the agriculture industry.
“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,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Marty Smith. “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.”
The HAULS Act would remove the requirement that agriculture and livestock HOS exemptions only apply during state designated planting and harvest seasons; clarify the definition of “agricultural commodity” 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.
“This language provides the ag community with continued flexibility during the busiest times of the year, while expanding uniformity and clarity for the transportation of our nation’s ag products,” said Jon Samson, executive director of the Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference. — Anna Miller, WLJ editor
