Why the Egg Shortage Became a National Priority
The U.S. is facing a serious egg shortage, and solving it has become a top priority. Tough situations call for decisive action, and according to FreightWaves, the current administration is moving quickly to address the issue. The root cause is avian flu, a virus that has wiped out millions of egg-laying hens and disrupted the national food supply. To protect what remains, authorities are working to relocate healthy live chickens out of high-risk areas as safely and quickly as possible.

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What’s Really Happening Right Now
FMCSA has identified the outbreak as a major threat - not only to the poultry sector, but to public health and the nation’s food security. Massive flock losses have created a ripple effect across the country, tightening supply and pushing prices up. The longer the outbreak persists, the more pressure it puts on the market, retailers, and consumers. With new cases emerging in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, the situation remains unpredictable and urgent.

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The Steps Being Taken to Keep Chickens Moving
To help stabilize the supply chain, FMCSA declared a regional emergency and introduced temporary flexibility in hours-of-service rules. These exemptions allow drivers more daily and weekly drive time so they can move live chickens out of outbreak zones without delay. A similar waiver was implemented in late December, but ongoing cases have made a broader approach necessary. FMCSA’s expanded relief program is designed to keep transportation flowing, reduce poultry losses, and support a faster recovery of egg production nationwide.
The avian flu isn’t new — it was first detected in January 2022 - but its impact has grown steadily. Millions of chickens have been lost, leading to supply shortages and soaring prices. In some areas, a dozen eggs now costs more than $10. Retailers have begun limiting egg purchases per customer, adding another layer of strain for families. While the administration is pursuing solutions, political disagreements over responsibility have added more tension to an already challenging situation.

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What Drivers Must Still Follow Under the Emergency Waiver
Even with additional flexibility, safety rules still apply. FMCSA requires drivers to meet several conditions to operate under the exemption:

• drivers must secure all necessary approvals before loading and transporting live chickens
• the receiving facility must confirm it can accept the shipment
• no driving is allowed past midnight
• each driver must complete at least 16 hours of on-duty time within a 24-hour period
• a minimum of six hours of rest in the sleeper berth is required before returning to duty
• drivers must maintain accurate duty-status records and hold a valid, fully compliant CDL
  By following these requirements, truckers can support FMCSA’s efforts, help stabilize the egg supply, and keep the transport process safe and compliant.

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Why It Matters for Everyone
The egg shortage isn’t just a poultry industry problem - it affects households, grocery prices, and everyday life across the country. Keeping chickens moving safely and efficiently is a critical step toward restoring supply and easing the strain on American families. With continued coordination and strong safety standards, the path to recovery becomes clearer, even as the fight against the flu continues.

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