The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Division announced a 30-day extension to the Hours of Service Exemption for livestock and feed haulers. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said it’s pleased with the decision.

“Livestock haulers are crucial to keeping beef moving through the supply chain and on to grocery store shelves,” said NCBA’s Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera. “We thank the DOT and FMSCA for extending this exemption and giving crucial relief to critical infrastructure.”

However, she says while this is a definite win for the cattle industry, more still needs to be done.

“NCBA will continue to work with the Trump administration and Congress to find a permanent fix for the Hours of Service Regulations,” she added.

The Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued an emergency declaration at the beginning of COVID-19 to exempt livestock haulers from the burdensome Hours of Service Regulations. The most-recent 30-day extension to that declaration was set to expire on August 14. The new extension now runs through September 14.

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