Protein Transport's Driver Hours Exemption Request Denied
Published Date: 12/2/2025
Notice
Summary
Protein Transport of Indiana, LLC asked for special permission to change their truck drivers’ work hours, but the government said no. After checking safety info and public opinions, they decided the change wouldn’t keep drivers and roads as safe as current rules do. So, drivers keep following the same hours-of-service rules, with no changes or extra costs coming.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Exemption Denied — Drivers Keep HOS Rules
FMCSA denied Protein Transport of Indiana, LLC's request for an hours-of-service (HOS) exemption, so Protein Transport drivers must continue following the current HOS regulations. FMCSA concluded the requested exemption would not likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to current rules; the decision was published December 2, 2025.
Chicken Products Not Covered by HOS Exemption
FMCSA stated that transportation of chicken products does not fall within the statutory agricultural exemption codified at 49 CFR 395.1(k) (the exemption that applies within a 150 air-mile radius during planting/harvest seasons). Carriers transporting chicken products therefore remain subject to the HOS regulations.
Exemptions Must Be Well-Supported for Safety
FMCSA emphasized that exemptions from the HOS regulations must be well supported with evidence and countermeasures to demonstrate an equivalent or greater level of safety. The Agency denied this application in part because the applicant did not propose measures to address driver fatigue.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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