Credit: Washingtonexaminer.com
In March 2020, the FMCSA issued emergency declaration N2020-002 in response to the national emergency 42 U.S.C. § 5191(b). The emergency declaration exempts drivers and carriers from part 395.3 (maximum driving time) providing direct assistance to relief efforts related to COVID-19. This hours-of-service (HOS) waiver gives truck drivers additional time to make their deliveries. It has been extended since then with the latest extension implemented on May 14, 2022.
Why would the FMCSA extend the HOS waiver again? To ease the supply chain issues and to add to the list of products needed by the public, which affects the restocking of stores. When the HOS waiver was put into action, it covered deliveries of medical supplies and equipment to protect healthcare workers, patients, and the public. The list of products was expanded as the pandemic wore on. The recent extension of the waiver now includes deliveries of diesel exhaust fluid, which helps reduce air pollution caused by diesel engines. The waiver continues to cover all deliveries of gasoline, diesel, ethyl alcohol, jet fuel, propane, natural gas, and ethyl alcohol.
This is good news for trucking companies that deliver products that are in great demand by the public (e.g., groceries). Yet, the question about the HOS waiver remains: how many more will there be this year? The answer lies in how fast the nation comes out of the pandemic. The new extension expires on August 31st. It will be interesting to see how this extension will affect the trucking industry in comparison to the previous ones.
At DVC, we truly appreciate the efforts of truck drivers across the nation during the pandemic as well as our own team. We strive stay on top of the latest regulations to stay in full compliance. We hope everyone stays safe on the road!