FMCSA thanks truckers for coming to the rescue during COVID-19 outbreak
Shortly after issuing a nationwide Hours of Service regulation waiver for truckers hauling Coronavirus relief supplies, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) took a moment to thank the men and women of the trucking industry for coming to the aid of a nation in crisis.
On Friday, March 13, hours after President Trump declared a national emergency due to the outbreak of Coronavirus/COVID-19, the FMCSA issued an emergency waiver that suspended Hours of Service regulations for truckers transporting relief supplies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Friday marked the first time in FMCSA history that HOS has been waived nationwide.
With the number of confirmed Coronavirus cases rising to at least 3,485 as of Monday morning and supermarket shelves empty of essential items like toilet paper, pasta, and bread, the FMCSA took to social media on Sunday to issue thanks to the men and women of the trucking industry who are on the front line in the battle against the pandemic.
FMCSA said:
The hard-working men and women of the commercial motor vehicle industry drive our nation’s economy. As our nation works to address the #COVID-19 outbreak, the CMV industry is playing a critical role in ensuring deliveries and maintaining America’s supply chain. Thank you for all the work that you do.
While many appreciated the thanks, others were more skeptical about the FMCSA’s message.
FMCSA Acting Administrator Jim Mullen remarked further, “Because of the decisive leadership of President Trump and Secretary Chao, this declaration will help America’s commercial drivers get these critical goods to impacted areas faster and more efficiently. FMCSA is continuing to closely monitor the coronavirus outbreak and stands ready to use its authority to protect the health and safety of the American people.”
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