Flexibility for Livestock Haulers: An Essential Part of a Resilient Food Supply Chain

Beltway Beef

Clint Berry, a fifth-generation cattlemen and representative for Superior Livestock, is no stranger to the livestock hauling industry. He joins the podcast to discuss FMCSA’s announcement of an extension of the hours-of-service(HOS)requirements exemption for livestock haulers. Current HOS rules allow for 11 hours of drive time, 14 hours of on-duty time and then require 10 consecutive hours of rest. When transporting livestock, there is a real need for further flexibility. Clint’s message is clear – hauling live cattle is different than hauling other commodities. Without flexibilities from HOS requirements, family farmers and ranchers are alienated from competitive markets. When you’re hauling live cattle, you cannot pull the truck over when you’ve hit your maximum number of hours. Additional flexibility for livestock haulers is critical for the health and safety of cattle as well as a resilient food supply chain.