The Department of Transportation on Tuesday announced it has extended the exemption for hours-of-service (HOS) requirements for livestock haulers, which includes the live-haul of chickens, through the end of November.
The exemption has been provided to haulers of livestock since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March of 2020. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an agency within the Department of Transportation, has consistently extended the exemption for those hauling livestock (including broilers) throughout the pandemic.
Current HOS rules allow for 11 hours of drive time, 14 hours of on-duty time, and then require 10 consecutive hours of rest. FMCSA driving limits can be found here. The full HOS regulations and guidance can be found here.
Various Members of Congress have introduced bills to make the exemption permanent, citing the unique nature of hauling livestock.
