Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025:
- More HOS relief for ag, livestock haulers on the horizon?
- Brakes-related recall hits these older-model Macks.
- Idaho police want better load securement for sand, gravel haulers.
Bill reintroduced to expand HOS exemption for ag haulers
Legislation that would expand hours-of-service flexibility for agriculture and livestock haulers has been reintroduced in Congress.
The Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act has been introduced previously but has not moved to a vote. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) reintroduced the bill Dec. 17.
“Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers feed and fuel our world, but burdensome regulations make it harder for their goods to be transported,” Fischer said. “That’s why I’ve introduced the HAULS Act to ensure that Nebraska’s ag products reach consumers in a safe and timely manner.”
If passed, the legislation would eliminate the requirement that ag and livestock HOS exemptions only apply during state-designated planting and harvesting seasons. It would waive HOS regulations for drivers transporting agricultural commodities within a 150 air-mile radius from the source of the product or their destination year-round, not just in the state-designated periods.
The bill would also amend and clarify the definition of “agricultural commodities” to include:
- Any non-processed product planted or harvested for food, feed, fuel, or fiber
- Any non-human living animal, including fish, insects and livestock
- The non-processed products of any non-human living animal, including milk, eggs and honey
- Non-processed forestry, aquacultural, horticultural, and floricultural commodities
- Fresh or minimally processed fruits and vegetables, including fruits and vegetables that are rinsed, cooled, cut, ripened, or otherwise minimally processed a
- Animal feed, including the ingredients of animal feed
The HAULS Act, introduced with no cosponsors, was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
[Related: HOS waiver active in 20 states as FMCSA responds to weather emergencies]
Previously-recalled Mack Granites recalled again for brakes issue
Mack Trucks is recalling approximately 628 model year 2009-‘15 Granite trucks that were previously recalled in 2015, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
According to the recall, trucks remedied under NHTSA recall No. 15V-804 (Mack recall number SC0398) may have had incorrect brake chambers installed.
During subsequent repairs after the recall was completed, inaccurate dealer service information may have been entered, causing the incorrect parts to be installed. Incorrect brake chambers may result in a brake imbalance between the steer and drive axle brakes. If an imbalance exists, brakes could overheat, which increases the risk of a tire blowout or wheel-end fire, the recall noted.
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake chambers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Feb. 2. Owners can contact Mack's customer service at 1- 800-866-1177 with recall number SC0491. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-867.
Idaho police focus enforcement on load securement, weight for sand, gravel haulers
Idaho State Police is stepping up enforcement on I-84 following “a growing number of public complaints” about load securement of sand and gravel trucks.
ISP on Dec. 22 announced a partnership between its Commercial Vehicle Safety (CVS) Division and the Idaho Transportation Department on a focused enforcement operation.
Over recent months, ISP said, motorists reported concerns about potential load loss and overweight vehicles, particularly between the Orchard exit off I-84 and the Orchard/Gowen loop south of the Boise Airport.
The Dec. 22 enforcement effort focused on:
- Securing loads to prevent debris from falling onto the roadway
- Weight and equipment compliance
- Driver qualifications and commercial documentation
- Moving violations, like seatbelt and cell phone use, pose a risk to other motorists
“Our role in CVS is to make sure commercial vehicles operating on Idaho roads are safe and legally compliant,” said CVS Sgt. Deshan Cabaong. “This operation was not designed to ruin anyone’s holiday or slow down commerce. These are exceptionally heavy vehicles, and a well-secured load on a properly equipped truck protects more than just the motoring public. They protect the commercial driver behind the wheel and their company. When sand or gravel spills at highway speeds, or when a vehicle pushes weight limits with weak brakes or worn tires, a simple trip could turn tragic. Our job is to reduce risks before they become emergencies.”
ISP added that targeted operations will continue when complaints, traffic patterns, commercial vehicle data, and public safety concerns show it’s needed. Truck drivers should expect continued vehicle and load inspections.
The agency also reminded motorists to allow space when following commercial vehicles and to report unsafe conditions through local dispatch.
