WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) seeking public comment on revising agricultural commodity or livestock definitions in hours-of-service (HOS) regulations:
“This is a good next step, and I applaud DOT and USDA leadership for taking it. HOS reform is a top priority for our agricultural community. I encourage stakeholders in North Dakota and across the country to offer comments, and I look forward to working with the Administration to craft a final rule that works for North Dakota.”
DOT Secretary Elaine Chao and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue also issued statements on this announcement.
“The agriculture industry is vital to our nation,” said Secretary Chao, “and we look forward to receiving input that will help clarify these definitions, improve safety, and offer additional flexibility to farmers and commercial drivers.”
“The current regulations impose restrictions upon the agriculture industry that lack flexibility necessary for the unique realities of hauling agriculture commodities,” said Secretary Perdue. “We look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Chao on revising these regulations.”
More information on today’s announcement can be found here.
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