Livestock truckers must adhere to 28-hour rule

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed its 28-hour rule, requiring the offloading, feeding and watering of livestock after 28 hours of transport, applies to trucks.

Previously, it was understood the 19th-century rule was thought only to apply to rail shipments of livestock. Jim Rogers, spokesman for the USDA, confirmed to trucknews.com that the ruling does, in fact, apply to truck shipments as well following a clarification in 2003.

He also told trucknews.com the DoT would be responsible for enforcement not the USDA.

The rule could have legal ramifications for Canadian hog and cattle haulers operating in the US, where distances frequently exceed 28 hours of transport. For reaction, see the November issue of Truck News.

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Truck News is Canada's leading trucking newspaper - news and information for trucking companies, owner/operators, truck drivers and logistics professionals working in the Canadian trucking industry.


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