NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is backing efforts to overhaul parts of the trucking industry.
The nation’s largest cattle organization says it is starting with hours-of-service regulations.
“Currently, a livestock hauler can work for 14 hours,” explains Zoe Wallace with NCBA. “They can drive for 11 of those 14, and then they need to take a 12-hour rest period. This creates a lot of issues for the haulers involved. It adds stress to the cattle, increasing risk of disease and illness, but also it puts a safety risk on the driver if they’re having to constantly load and unload those cattle.”
The group is also seeking changes to truck weight limits, which have not been updated since the 1980s.
Wallace said NCBA is working on policies that would provide relief for livestock haulers.
“We could haul more cattle with less trucks. This benefits everyone,” Wallace continued. “It addresses a shortage of truck drivers. You’re going to have less trucks on the road, but it’s one of those things we’re trying to get states to onboard for this pilot program. Essentially, what we’re pushing for is an optional opt-in pilot program where we would increase truck weights from 80,000 to 91,000 pounds if they add a sixth axle.”
The Soy Transportation Coalition is also supporting the effort.
The group says a six-axle truck would have better stopping power, lower carbon emissions, and improved efficiency. It estimates that a typical grain elevator would save $44,000 per year in fuel costs.
