Agricultural Transport Rules Update: New Exemptions for Haulers and Products
This act modifies rules for drivers transporting agricultural products and livestock. It expands the definition of covered commodities and adjusts distance calculations for hours-of-service exemptions, aiming to streamline agricultural transportation and improve efficiency in getting goods to market.
Key points
Drivers transporting agricultural commodities will have more flexible hours-of-service rules, no longer tied to state-determined planting and harvest periods, increasing operational freedom.
The 150 air-mile radius exemption now applies from either the source OR the destination of the agricultural commodities, offering greater flexibility in route planning.
The definition of "agricultural commodity" is significantly broadened to include live animals (fish, insects, livestock), their non-processed products (milk, eggs, honey), and fresh or minimally processed fruits and vegetables.
Exemptions for transporting livestock feed will apply year-round, ensuring continuous supply for farmers.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_3552
Sponsor: Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE]
Process start date: 2025-12-17