In the sprawling rangelands of western South Dakota, where the horizon stretches toward Montana and Wyoming, rancher and livestock auction market owner, Justin Tupper, knows the stakes of hauling livestock.

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“These cattle travel long distances to reach feedlots,” he says, voice steady with the weight of experience. “We’re talking about live animals — perishable, valuable cargo. Flexibility in hauling is critical to get them where they need to go safely and on time.”

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For Tupper, who also serves as president of U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, the issue hits close to home. Cattle in his region are often sold straight off the cow, destined for grow yards in Kansas or wheat pastures hundreds of miles away. Strict regulations on livestock haulers, like rigid hours-of-service rules, can disrupt the delicate balance of ensuring animal welfare and economic efficiency.

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“When you’re hauling live critters, you need the wherewithal to keep moving,” he explains. “Delays can harm the livestock, and that’s the last thing any of us want.”

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This is one reason Tupper signed on to the Common Ground Coalition, a group advocating for practical policies that prioritize both animal welfare and the realities of rural livestock transport. The coalition pushes for flexibility in hauling laws and regulations, arguing that overly restrictive rules ignore the unique demands of moving live animals across vast distances.

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“The facts back this up,” Tupper says. “We don’t see piles of accident or injury reports tied to livestock hauling. Haulers take pride in their work. They know they’re carrying something valuable.”

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The Common Ground Coalition is rallying others to join the cause, and Tupper is all in.

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As the coalition builds momentum, his message is clear: livestock haulers aren’t just drivers; they’re stewards of a vital industry. By fighting for flexibility, the Common Ground Coalition is safeguarding a way of life that sustains rural communities and feeds the nation. For Tupper, it’s a fight worth joining — one that ensures the cattle, and the people who care for them, keep moving forward.

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“This is something we can all get behind,” he urges. “If we don’t have flexibility, we’re going backward on both animal husbandry and economics.”​