FMCSA has extended the hours of service (HOS) exemption through July 14, 2020. However, grocery stocking, fuel, and precursor raw materials are now excluded from the waiver. The extension is now limited to three categories of freight that is being moved in support of emergency relief efforts for COVID-19. Those three categories are livestock and livestock feed, medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19, and supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants.
The agency explained “FMCSA is continuing the exemption because the presidentially declared emergency remains in place, and because a continued exemption is needed to support direct emergency assistance for some supply chains….This extension addresses national emergency conditions that create a need for immediate transportation of essential supplies, and provides necessary relief from [federal regulations] for motor carriers and drivers…FMCSA has concluded that there is no longer a need for emergency relief with respect to the other categories of supplies, equipment, and persons”
FMCSA cancels HOS exemption for food, fuel, raw materials
