Legislation aims to provide flexibility for livestock haulers by exempting them from restrictive mandates
Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) expressed its strong support for the Hauling Exemptions for Livestock Protection (HELP) Act, introduced by Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO). The legislation seeks to provide essential flexibility for livestock haulers by offering exemptions from the burdensome hours of service (HOS) and electronic logging device (ELD) mandates.
Skye Krebs, the NCBA Policy Division Chair and an Oregon rancher, highlighted the importance of this flexibility. “When hauling cattle, it’s crucial to protect them from harsh elements, and sometimes they cannot be easily unloaded. Livestock haulers need to complete their trips without government restrictions,” Krebs said.
The HELP Act aims to codify the HOS and ELD exemptions granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) during the pandemic, which lasted for about two years. During that time, haulers proved they could safely transport livestock while also maintaining supply chain stability.
While the FMCSA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently withdrew a proposal to impose speed limiters on trucks, HOS and ELD mandates continue to burden drivers. The NCBA strongly supports the HELP Act, which would provide permanent exemptions, ensuring livestock haulers have the necessary flexibility to operate safely.
The NCBA thanks Rep. Jeff Hurd for introducing the bill and urges Congress to pass this important legislation for the future of livestock transport in America.
Photo Credit: beef-cows-in-field-usda