FMCSA Seeks Comment on Application by Livestock Industry to Modify Hours of Service Rule

On February 6, 2019, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published a joint Notice of Application for exemption from certain provisions of the hours-of-service (HOS) of commercial drivers rules. The applicants request approval of a sixteen-hour on-duty period, during which they would be permitted to drive up to 15 hours. The sixteen-hour on-duty period could only commence after 10 consecutive hours off duty. The application was made on behalf of drivers who transport livestock, insects, and aquatic animals, and was filed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Livestock Marketing Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Beekeeping Federation, American Honey Producers Association, and the National Aquaculture Association.

• Read the proposed rule here.
• Comments may be submitted here.
• Advocacy contact: Bruce Lundegren at (202) 205-6144.