The order grants motor carriers and drivers in these areas exemptions from the standard maximum driving time when they are directly involved in relief operations. This includes the transportation of critical fuels such as propane, heating oil, gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and heating fuel to the affected regions.

Initially issued on January 10, the emergency declaration addresses challenges posed by severe winter storms and freezing temperatures. These extreme weather conditions have heightened fuel demands while creating significant obstacles in the distribution process.

What Does “Direct Assistance” Mean?

Under the FMCSA’s directive, “direct assistance” refers to transportation and relief services provided by motor carriers or drivers that play a key role in the immediate restoration of essential supplies or services. However, this does not cover transportation intended for long-term recovery beyond the initial emergency phase or for reconstructing damaged infrastructure. Additionally, routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with only minimal emergency supplies, do not qualify for the exemptions provided.

Motor carriers or drivers who have been issued an out-of-service order are also not permitted to operate under the declaration until they meet all applicable conditions.

Returning to Normal Operations

Once emergency relief activities conclude, carriers and drivers must comply with standard driving time regulations while operating commercial vehicles. However, drivers can return empty to their terminal or their usual work reporting location without additional restrictions.

If a driver transitions from emergency relief efforts back to normal operations, they must take a 10-hour rest period if their total time engaged in relief efforts or combined relief and everyday driving exceeds 14 hours.

Additional State Declarations

Several states have also implemented their own emergency declarations to provide motor carriers and drivers with additional relief measures tailored to specific regional needs. To learn more about these state-level declarations, detailed information is available here.

Source: Land Line

The post FMCSA Expands Emergency Declaration to More States appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

What the Declaration Covers

The emergency declaration provides temporary relief from maximum driving time requirements for motor carriers and drivers directly involved in delivering essential fuels. These include heating fuel, propane, natural gas, heating oil, gasoline, and diesel. The order applies to trucking operations across all 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia.

FMCSA clarifies that “direct assistance” refers to transportation and services directly tied to restoring essential supplies and services. However, it does not cover long-term infrastructure repairs or routine commercial shipments. For example, mixed cargo loads containing only a small quantity of qualifying emergency relief supplies are not eligible under this provision.

Conditions and Restrictions

Motor carriers or drivers under an existing out-of-service order are not permitted to operate under this emergency declaration unless they meet the necessary compliance requirements.

Once the emergency relief efforts are complete, carriers and drivers must adhere to standard hours-of-service regulations. However, drivers may return empty to their terminals or regular work-reporting locations. When transitioning from emergency operations back to standard commercial activities, a mandatory 10-hour rest period is required if total working hours—combining emergency relief and regular operations—reach or exceed 14 hours.

Additional State-Level Relief

While the FMCSA’s order serves as a national measure, individual states may offer additional relief for carriers and drivers. As of Tuesday, January 28, nine states have localized emergency declarations in place to support fuel transportation and other critical needs.

Source: Land Line

The post Emergency Fuel Relief Extended to February 15 – What Truckers Need to Know appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.