Modern Day Cowboys: Bull Haulers, Hours-of-Service, and DOT Compliance: Clearing Up the Confusion

Abby Willroth is a NAADAC-qualified Substance Abuse Professional located in Central Arkansas. "If you have questions pertaining to DOT Alcohol & Drug Testing Regulation, the Role of a SAP or the Return-To-Duty process, ASK A SAP!"

In recent weeks, TikTok has been buzzing with heated debates surrounding bull haulers — the self-proclaimed "Modern Day Cowboys" — and their compliance (or perceived non-compliance) with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. As a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), this spirited discussion caught my attention.

While this topic falls outside the scope of my clinical practice, the controversy prompted me to take a deeper look into the actual FMCSA regulatory guidance concerning the transportation of agricultural commodities — including livestock.

Many truck drivers on social media have argued that bull haulers operate "above the law," bending Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations or outright disregarding them in the name of delivering livestock safely and quickly. On the other hand, some bull haulers defend their practices, claiming that DOT regulatory compliance does not fully apply to them due to the special nature of transporting live animals.

So, what does the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) actually say about this?

FMCSA’s Regulatory Guidance: Transportation of Agricultural Commodities (Including Livestock)

According to official FMCSA guidance, agricultural commodity haulers — including livestock transporters — are still required to comply with DOT regulations, but with specific exemptions and flexibilities:

• 150-Air-Mile Radius Exemption: Drivers transporting agricultural commodities, including livestock, are exempt from HOS requirements (including the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate) while operating within a 150 air-mile radius from the source of the commodities.

• Beyond the 150-Air-Mile Radius: Once a driver exceeds the 150 air-mile radius, all normal HOS rules — including drive time limits, break requirements, and ELD use — fully apply and must be followed.

• Multiple Pickups: The 150-air-mile exemption applies separately for each loading point. After leaving a loading point and traveling outside the radius, drivers must comply with standard HOS rules unless returning for another pickup within another applicable radius.

• Animal Welfare Considerations: Special allowances exist to account for the health and welfare of livestock in transit, recognizing that frequent stops or long delays can pose significant risks to the animals.

  
  

Did You Know?

Transporters of livestock and insects are currently exempt from the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) requirements.

This statutory exemption remains in place until further notice. Drivers do not need to carry any documentation regarding this exemption while operating under it.

However, once outside the 150 air-mile radius, standard Hours-of-Service rules — including ELD requirements — do apply for livestock haulers.

Key Takeaways

• Bull haulers are not "above the law." DOT regulatory compliance applies once the exemption limits are exceeded.

• Transporters are only exempt from certain HOS rules within the defined 150 air-mile radius.

• Once outside that radius, standard Hours-of-Service regulations apply, just like any other CDL driver.

• Misuse of the agricultural exemption — such as knowingly ignoring HOS limits beyond the exempt radius — can expose drivers to penalties, enforcement actions, and potential safety concerns.

A Final Word

TikTok has become a vibrant platform where drivers share experiences, knowledge, and honest frustrations about the industry. I’ll admit, I’ve learned quite a bit myself by simply listening to the discussions happening across the app.

However, with that great access to information also comes a fair amount of misinformation — especially regarding DOT rules and regulations.

If you’re creating content or engaging in conversations around DOT compliance topics, I encourage you to research carefully and review official sources like the FMCSA before making definitive claims.

The Department of Transportation industry depends on factual information — not assumptions — to keep drivers safe, protect the public, and ensure the integrity of the work we do.

Want to Dive Deeper?

To read the full regulation pertaining to this topic, please visit: Regulatory Guidance: Transportation of Agricultural Commodities including Livestock