HELP Act

The HELP Act would shield certain livestock hauling vehicles from two key federal transport rules: hours-of-service (HOS) regulations and the requirement to use electronic logging devices (ELDs). Specifically, any commercial motor vehicle transporting livestock, insects, or live aquatic animals would be exempt from HOS and ELD rules. The exemption also covers unladen vehicles that are in the process of picking up or delivering livestock. The bill defines “covered livestock hauling vehicle” and expands “livestock” to include a broad range of animals used in commercial farming, including insects and live aquatic animals. In short, the bill aims to reduce regulatory burdens on livestock haulers, potentially increasing flexibility and efficiency in transporting farm animals, while leaving other safety regulations in place.