The Fertilizer Institute welcomed an announcement from the Trump Administration temporarily removing hours of service (HOS) regulations for fertilizer deliveries.
“TFI thanks USDA Secretary Rollins and DOT Secretary Duffy for recognizing the essential need of getting fertilizer from production plants and retailers to farmers exactly when and where it is needed,” said TFI president and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “We are well into spring planting and the window farmers have to get their fertilizer applied is small. Expanding transportation flexibility can help alleviate strain within the system and help avoid any potential bottlenecks in the fertilizer supply chain, especially as we transition to summer and fall fill.”
HOS regulations mandate maximum driver hours and rest periods for commercial drivers. It is not uncommon for agricultural states to have seasonal waivers for HOS around peak planting or harvesting times. Waiving HOS regulations for fertilizer deliveries was a potential policy solution TFI shared with the White House in a letter earlier this month.
“First- and last-mile delivery of fertilizer is a crucial piece of the logistical journey fertilizer takes,” Rosenbusch explained. “Fertilizer moves in a variety of ways, but all fertilizer touches a truck at least once on its way to farmers’ fields and that is often the last part of the trip. This move by the administration will ensure that fertilizer doesn’t get “trapped” at distribution points.”
The HOS exemption will be in effect starting May 26, 2026 and runs through August 26, 2026.
“The fertilizer industry’s priority is ensuring farmers receive the nutrients they need safely, efficiently, and exactly when and where they are needed,” Rosenbusch concluded. “This temporary and targeted flexibility helps support spring planting while maintaining the industry’s strong commitment to transportation safety.”
TFI news release
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