For those hauling certain supplies, including livestock, Hours of Service (HOS) rule limit increases have been extended through the end of February 2022. The 50-state emergency declaration from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) allows truckers up to 11 hours of driving time and 14 consecutive hours of on-duty time during a 24-hour period. The HOS limits increased in March 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to better accommodate livestock haulers transporting hogs amidst supply chain irregularities. Prompted by the National Pork Producer’s Council, the HOS waiver ensures livestock truckers can transport hogs to market both safely and efficiently, while also providing assurance for truckers hauling essential supplies to those farms.

The NPPC issued a statement thanking the Biden administration, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Department of Transportation Deputy Administrator Meera Joshi for the extension. Read more on the FMCSA declaration here.