The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration extended the exemption from hours-of-service requirements for livestock truckers.
Backed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the organization says livestock haulers continue to need flexibility for the well-being of livestock during hauls and to keep grocery stores stocked with beef during the pandemic. NCBA says livestock haulers have been working under an hours-of-service exemption since the beginning of the COVID-19.
NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera says, “I believe FMCSA’s continuation of this exemption indicates their confidence in our producers to keep doing their work safely and effectively.”
Current hours-of-service rules allow for 11 hours of drive time, 14 hours of on-duty time, and then require ten consecutive hours of rest. However, livestock haulers need the flexibility to protect the welfare of animals. The newest extension will go through midnight on November 30th, 2021.
