HELP Act: New Bill in a Push to Exempt Haulers

Help Act Bill Aims to Ease Federal Rules for Livestock Truckers

The HELP Act is a new proposal in Congress that could remove federal hours-of-service (HOS) and electronic logging device (ELD) rules for livestock haulers. The bill, short for Hauling Exemptions for Livestock Protection Act, was introduced by Congressman William Hurd of Colorado on July 16, 2025. If passed, the Act would give animal haulers more flexibility and reduce regulatory stress on animal transport.

HELP Act Targets HOS and ELD Regulations

The Bill would apply to specific trucks known as “covered livestock hauling vehicles.” These are commercial motor vehicles that transport animals, including insects and aquatic species. The bill proposes a full exemption from:

• Hours-of-service rules under Title 49 of the U.S. Code
• Electronic logging device requirements

Unlike past waivers, the HELP Act would make these changes permanent.

Unloaded Livestock Trucks Also Included

An important part of the HELP Act is its inclusion of empty livestock trailers. A truck on its way to pick up animals—or heading home after a delivery—would still qualify for the exemption. This makes it easier for drivers to plan routes without switching in and out of compliance.

The goal is to prevent delays and confusion, especially when transporting animals that need consistent care during transit.

Focus on Animal Welfare and Road Safety

Supporters of the HELP Act say current federal rules do not work well for transporting live animals. Animals left in trailers during long rest breaks can suffer from heat, cold, or lack of ventilation. The bill’s backers argue that drivers need more control over when and how they stop.

By changing the law, the Act could improve both safety for livestock and working conditions for drivers.

HELP Act Offers a Long-Term Fix

Over the years, livestock haulers have received temporary exemptions from HOS rules during emergencies. While helpful in short bursts, those waivers often came with uncertainty. The Bill would change that by creating a consistent, year-round exemption.

Many in the agriculture and trucking industries believe this type of relief is long overdue.

Next Steps for the HELP Act in Congress

The HELP Act was referred to the committee and is still in the early stages. At this time, no companion bill has been introduced in the Senate. However, the proposal has caught attention across the livestock supply chain.

If the bill passes, it could change how livestock is hauled across the U.S. It may also influence future discussions on how federal regulations apply to time-sensitive freight.