America’s livestock producers have been granted a two year waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The waiver exempts ag drivers from the hours of service rule, which requires them to take a 30 minute rest break for every 8 hours of service. National Pork Producers Council President Elect, John Weber says it will let the driver stay with the truck during the required rest break.
Weber says eventually they’d like a longer term exemption from this D-0-T regulation.
He says the waiver helps ensure a better welfare situation for the animals being hauled.
Weber says the waiver ensures that during hot summer months, livestock won’t be sitting in the sun for extended periods with drivers unable to care for them because they’re required to take a 30 minute break.
