A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate this week provides farmers and ranchers much-needed flexibility for hauling agricultural commodities and livestock.
The legislation, which was introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska, would extend hours of service exemptions in agriculture to year-round.
The Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act would add a 150 air-mile exemption to hours of service regulations for those transporting livestock or agricultural commodities, among other changes.
“The HAULS Act is an important piece of legislation introduced by Sen. Fischer of Nebraska. She’s been working with a group of ag commodity organizations and other ag haulers to listen to the needs of the industry,” Andrew Walmsley, American Farm Bureau Federation Congressional Relations director, said. “She’s developed this bill that would provide three things to modernize trucking regulations and make a benefit for the safety and efficiency of hauling ag products.”
Walmsley noted the changes include removing seasonality restrictions.
“Most states have gotten rid of seasonality of planting and harvest seasons. When you are moving livestock, that’s a year-round enterprise,” he said. “So, it’s Congress recognizing the growing season is really year-round for a lot of ag commodities. The second piece would provide a 150 air mile exemption on the destination of hauls. And then finally, the legislation would update the definition of an ag commodity.”
The legislation promotes safety for drivers and animals, he said.
“One of the unique situations that we find ourselves in agriculture is that we are sometimes dealing with live animals or perishable commodities,” Walmsley said. “The animal piece is really key in where we need to make sure that we are using common sense and have the needed flexibilities to ensure safety. That’s what the HAULS Act looks to do, is to make sure that perishable commodities like livestock can get to their destination safely, that driver can get to their destination safely, and then that driver rests.”
Farm Bureau and other livestock and agricultural groups support the legislation.