Yes: On November 24, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a notice in the Federal Register clarifying the meaning of three terms used in the definition of “agricultural commodity” for the purposes of the agency’s Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. The three terms that were revised include “any agricultural commodity,” “livestock,” and “non-processed food.” The revised meanings of these terms went into effect on December 9, 2020; the revisions ensure that the HOS exemptions are utilized as Congress intended.
The revised definitions are as follows:
Because the new rule also expands the definition of “livestock,” it adds to the list of drivers who are exempt from the FMCSA’s requirement for 30-minute breaks. Section 395.1(v) says livestock haulers are exempt from 30-minute breaks as long as they have animals on the vehicle.
CALL TO ACTION
Educate all operational personnel and drivers of the definition changes.
Review your log auditing procedures to ensure compliance.
Update your Hours of Service policy to reflect the changes.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
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