The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published an interim final rule (IFR) on November 19, clarifying the definition of “agricultural commodity” in the hours-of-service (HOS) regulations.
Currently, drivers transporting agricultural commodities are exempt from the HOS requirements within a 150-air-mile radius from the origin (source of the commodity) to the destination during harvesting and planting seasons.
The rulemaking is intended to ensure proper enforcement of the HOS exemption. The interim final rule is effective December 9, 2020.
Comments and petitions for reconsideration of the IFR can be submitted by December 24, 2020.
Information provided by USDA Grain Transportation Report
