DOT abandons proposal to require ranchers to obtain commercial driver’s license

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) is applauding the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Wednesday, Aug. 10, decision not to consider a proposal that could have required tractors and loaded stock trailers weighing 26,000 pounds or more to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). According to TSCRA, this proposal had the potential to severely harm the Texas cattle industry, especially during times of natural disasters such as drought and wildfires. “While we are glad to see DOT walk away from a potential proposal to require basically all ranchers who transport livestock to get a CDL, the current limit of 150 miles is simply unrealistic,” said Joe Parker Jr., rancher and president of TSCRA. “This limit needs to be lifted during times of natural disaster. For the sake of their livestock and their businesses, ranchers need flexibility and options when livestock must be transported to other places, and when feed, water and equipment must be transported. During times of natural disasters, ranchers must act quickly and simply don’t have the time or resources to obtain a CDL,” Parker continued...more