The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted the exemption based on a request made by the National Pork Producers Council on behalf of all livestock transporters on the agency’s initial rule from August 2013.

The FMCSA granted the exemption to make sure livestock transported by interstate are safe for the longer durations of travel that would be required by the rule.

Under the rules, a driver may drive a truck only if a period of eight hours or less has passed since the end of their last off-duty or sleeper-berth period of at least 30 minutes.

The FMCSA did not specify when drivers must take the minimum 30-minute break, but the rule requires that they wait no longer than eight hours after the last off-duty or sleeper-berth-period of that length or longer to take a break.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Bob McCan said the move alleviates many of the concerns of cattlemen and women as they face warmer temperatures this summer.

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“This is great news for livestock producers and for the health of our herds,” said McCan. “As we come into summer, cattle producers have expressed concerns to the DOT that these rules would jeopardize the health and safety of our cattle.

“For more than a year, this has been a major priority for the NCBA and our members, but we will continue to urge DOT to make this exemption permanent. This exemption is a common-sense move that keeps our herds and our nation’s highways safe.”  end mark