DOT Unveils Hours of Service Exemptions for Agriculture

(WASHINGTON, DC) The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced this week a revision to agricultural commodity or livestock definitions in hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. The Agency worked closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on this effort to provide clarity for the nation’s farmers and commercial drivers. U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said: “the agriculture industry is vital to our nation and we look forward to receiving input that will help clarify these definitions, improve safety, and offer additional flexibility to farmers and commercial drivers.” Currently, during harvesting and planting seasons as determined by each state, drivers transporting agricultural commodities, including livestock, are exempt from the HOS requirements from the source of the commodities to a location within a 150-air-mile radius from the source. The advanced rule was prompted by indications that the current definition of these terms may not be understood or enforced consistently when determining whether the HOS exemption applies.