Legislative Fix for Livestock Haulers Hours of Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Bipartisan legislation was filed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday by Rep. Angie Craig (MN-D) and Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-R) that would provide flexible and common-sense relief from Hours of Service (HOS) rules for agricultural haulers. The Responsible & Efficient Agriculture Destination (TREAD) Act would ensure that the current Hours of Service exemption that applies to the 150-air-mile radius from the source of an agricultural commodity adds the same 150 air-mile radius flexibility to the back end of a trip, or the destination. The bill also clarifies that this exemption would apply in every state year-round, as agriculture and specifically livestock move across the country every day. Jennifer Houston is President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) says “agricultural haulers, especially livestock haulers, face very unique challenges that haulers in other industries don’t face, and this bill recognizes that need.” The main concern the livestock industry has is with having to stop a truck with live animals because of an Hours of Service regulation. The air-mile radius fix recognizes that animals don’t abide by clocks or travel times and are more likely to be stressed when haulers pull off the side of the road. The legislation is supported by every major livestock group.