HELP Act Aims to Support Livestock Haulers

By Scout Nelson

This week, Rep. Jeff Hurd of Colorado introduced the Hauling Exemptions for Livestock Protection (HELP) Act, which supports livestock haulers by providing much-needed flexibility. The legislation focuses on protecting drivers from restrictive hours-of-service (HOS) and electronic logging device (ELD) mandates that limit their ability to transport livestock safely and efficiently.

During the pandemic, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration temporarily exempted livestock haulers from these mandates, recognizing the need for flexibility in transporting animals. The HELP Act aims to make these exemptions permanent, offering haulers the freedom to complete their trips without being restricted by government regulations that are not conducive to the nature of livestock transport.

As Skye Krebs, Policy Division Chair of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), explained, “When you are hauling cattle, you are dealing with livestock that must be protected from the elements and cannot be easily unloaded until you get to your destination. Livestock haulers need flexibility to complete their trips free from government mandates.”

The NCBA has strongly endorsed the HELP Act, urging Congress to pass the legislation to ensure livestock haulers can operate without the constraints that hinder their work. By reinstating these exemptions, the HELP Act seeks to support safe and efficient livestock transportation, ultimately benefiting both the animals and the haulers responsible for their care.

If passed, the HELP Act will provide permanent relief to livestock haulers and address the challenges posed by rigid transportation regulations, making it easier for them to perform their essential work across the country.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-pamwalker68