The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law this week by President Biden, included provisions that provide flexibility on federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules affecting commercial ag truckers.
Derived from a Senate bill known as the Haulers of Agricultural and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act, the provisions give livestock and poultry haulers exemptions from HOS regulations for both 150 miles from their departure in addition to within 150 miles from their final destinations.
Truckers were previously limited to 11 hours of driving time or 14 consecutive hours of on-duty time in any 24-hour period, and then 10 straight hours of rest.
Now signed by the President, the bill has the force of law.