(NAFB) – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Tuesday extended the exemption from hours-of-service requirements for livestock haulers.

Advocated by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the organization says livestock haulers continue to need the flexibility for the well-being of livestock during hauls, and to keep grocery stores stocked with beef during the continued disruption of COVID-19. NCBA says livestock haulers have been operating under an hours-of-service exemption since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining a strong safety record.

NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera states, “I believe FMCSA’s continuation of this exemption indicates their confidence in our producers to keep doing their work safely and effectively.”

Current hours-of-service rules allow for 11 hours of drive time, 14 hours of on-duty time, and then require ten consecutive hours of rest. However, livestock haulers need flexibility to protect the welfare of animals. The most recent extension will continue through midnight on November 30, 2021.