National Cattlemen’ s Beef Association
MAY 2026 | Vol. 42, No. 7 | NCBA. org
LIVESTOCK HAULERS NEED COMMONSENSE FEDERAL RULES FOR SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCY
Livestock haulers are a critical link in the cattle and beef supply chain, safely delivering cattle across the country. Unlike most commercial traffic, livestock hauling is unique, and some federal rules and regulations designed for other commercial drivers may impede a livestock hauler’ s ability to safely and efficiently deliver live cattle, without improving the safety of America’ s roads.
As an industry, farmers and ranchers rely on well-trained drivers to minimize stressors that could affect animal health, such as hauling in extreme temperatures, extended periods of time in the trailer, and frequent loading and unloading. If animals experience undue stress during transit, they lose weight, become sick and / or injured. Producers experience economic setbacks when animals require treatment or further time on feed to regain lost weight and recover from health issues resulting from transit. While livestock haulers work hard to protect animal well-being, their ability to do so is increasingly challenged and constrained by federal transportation regulations.
At a time when cattle numbers are low, and beef demand and cattle prices remain at record highs, we must ensure each segment of the cattle and beef supply chain remains efficient, so higher costs are not borne by producers or consumers.
“ We in the cattle industry trust our haulers to ensure the wellbeing of our livestock throughout their journey, just like we do at the point of origin or point of destination,” said Clint Berry, Superior Livestock representative with years of experience contracting haulers to deliver cattle between buyers and sellers, who are often separated by significant distances.
Livestock haulers are a critcal piece of the beef supply chain and need flexibility to operate successfully.
“ If drivers cannot operate in a way that delivers those animals safely, it’ s not good for animal welfare, it’ s not good economically, and it has a negative reflection on the reputation of the producer / seller. This is still a reputation-based business.”
These burdensome regulations include inconsistent truck weight limits across different states and local jurisdictions, uncertainty of requirements for electronic logging devices( ELDs), and restrictions from Hours of Service( HOS) rules. While there are temporary exemptions for livestock haulers,
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