Livestock Haulers Secure a Win in House Infrastructure Bill

(Adam Wilmes)

Livestock haulers secured a win in the Biden administration’s infrastructure bill, which the House approved last week. Provisions of Sen. Deb Fischer's (R-Neb.) Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety Act of 2021 (HAULS Act) are included within the bipartisan infrastructure framework.

A provision in the legislation expands the miles agricultural truckers can drive without the restrictions of the federal Hours of Service (HOS) rule, which limits commercial truckers to 11 hours of driving time and 14 consecutive hours of on-duty time in any 24-hour period. Livestock haulers are now granted 150 air-miles radius from the origin and destination of their trip. This effectively allows livestock haulers to travel an additional 300 miles while exempt from the restrictive HOS regulations. 

"The $1.2 trillion, five-year infrastructure bill also has funds for repairing and building roads, bridges, railways, ports and waterways – all of which are vital to getting agricultural products to markets – and for other major infrastructure projects, including rural broadband," the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) noted in Capitol Update. "The Senate in August passed its infrastructure bill."

The language included within this bipartisan infrastructure framework helps prevent the situation of having a livestock hauler run out of hours mere miles from their destination, United States Cattlemen's Association (USCA) Transportation Committee Chairman Steve Hilker explained in a statement.

"USCA thanks Senator Fischer for her tireless efforts to achieve regulatory flexibility for transporters of live animals. This accomplishment is a massive improvement in how we are able to operate," Hilker said. "Livestock haulers cannot stop and unload their animals like drivers of furniture or steel - or wait on the side of the highway for their clocks to reset. We need this regulatory flexibility to be able to get these animals to their destination as safely and efficiently as possible."

Read More:

Hours of Services Waivers Extended for Livestock Haulers

Hours of Service Waivers Extended Again for Livestock and Feed Haulers

Superheroes of the Supply Chain: Truckers Keep it Moving

Why the U.S. Pork Industry Needs to Capture More Value From the Carcass

 

Latest News

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.

How Ranchers can Feel More Energized and Reduce their Aches and Pains
How Ranchers can Feel More Energized and Reduce their Aches and Pains

We can’t care for our livestock, resources and families without caring for ourselves first. That seems even harder during the busy seasons, but it isn’t impossible and even one thing a day makes a difference.

Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows
Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows

Last week’s rally to new record prices pushed packer and feeder margins in opposite directions. Pork producer margins continue higher with prices now above year ago.