HAULS Act of 2025

Summary

Changes federal hours-of-service rules so drivers hauling agricultural products and livestock feed can use an expanded exemption. It replaces state-set seasonal limits with a fixed 150 air-mile radius from the load’s origin or destination and gives DOT 180 days to update the federal regulatory definition of “agricultural commodity” to list covered items (raw crops, animals and their unprocessed products, forestry/aqua/horticulture/flower products, minimally processed produce, and animal feed). These changes broaden when the exemption can be used and clarify what counts as an agricultural commodity.

• Removes state 'planting and harvest' timing limits for the agricultural hours-of-service exemption.
• Makes the hours-of-service exemption available for trips within a 150 air-mile radius measured by air from the load source or destination.
• Clarifies that 'livestock feed' is included among covered materials eligible for the exemption.
• Incorporates the DOT regulatory definition of 'agricultural commodity' into statute and requires DOT to update the regulation within 180 days.
• Requires DOT to list specific covered items: raw crops, nonhuman animals and their unprocessed products, forestry/aqua/horticultural/flower commodities, minimally processed produce, and animal feed.
• Does not appropriate new funds or create a new federal program; it amends existing motor carrier safety law.
• Shifts some decision-making power from states (seasonal declarations) to a uniform federal geographic/definition standard.