Historic 50 state HOS waiver extended & expanded to cover truckers hauling food and paper

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has yet again extended an emergency declaration providing regulatory relief for truckers hauling certain goods amid the COVID-19 crisis.

On August 11, the FMCSA once again extended a first-of-its-kind emergency declaration through September 14, 2020. The waiver provides relief from Parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), which includes Hours of Service requirements.

The previous waiver had been set to expire on August 14, 2020. The initial HOS waiver was issued on March 13 and has since been extended and expanded several times as the COVID-19 crisis continues.

This version of the waiver differs from the last in that it provides regulatory relief for truckers who are hauling food and paper products.

See a full list of the types of loads that are covered by the waiver below.

1. Livestock and livestock feed
2. Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19
3. Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectant
4. Food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores

“Direct assistance does not include routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration,” the FMCSA states.

The FMCSA also reiterated that the HOS waiver does not give motor carriers the right to compel fatigued drivers to operate. Any driver who informs a motor carrier that they need rest is to be given 10 hours before they are required to return to duty.

Please click here to view the waiver.