Comment Period Open on Hours-of-Service Regulations for Ag Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced it’s looking for public comments on potential revisions to agricultural commodity or livestock definitions in its hours-of-service regulations. The Hagstrom Report says the agency worked hand-in-hand with the Department of Agriculture to provide clarity for the nation’s commercial drivers and farmers. Currently, states determine their harvesting and planting seasons. Drivers who transport agricultural commodities, including livestock, are exempt from the hours-of-service requirements from the source of the commodities to any location within a 150-mile radius. The advanced rule put together by the FMCSA would redo the definitions of livestock and agricultural commodities in order to make sure the exemption is consistently applied and has enough flexibility that makes it easy for eligible farmers and commercial drivers to use it. Transportation Department Secretary Elaine Chao (chow) says, “The agriculture industry is vital to our nation and we look forward to receiving input that will help clarify these definitions, improve safety, and offer additional flexibility to farmers and commercial drivers.”