Record Fuel Prices Prompt Hours-of-Service Relief for Truckers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a temporary 90-day hours-of-service waiver for qualified truck drivers transporting gasoline and diesel, giving fuel haulers additional scheduling flexibility as fuel prices and supply concerns continue to affect the transportation industry.

Waiver Extends Operating Window

Issued Sept. 16, the waiver allows eligible drivers hauling gasoline and diesel to operate for up to 16 hours within a 24-hour period, compared with the standard 14-hour on-duty window. The temporary relief is scheduled to remain in effect through Dec. 16.

FMCSA said the waiver is intended to address global supply disruptions, anticipated increases in gasoline and diesel demand during late summer and fall, and potential impacts on fuel costs and availability for transportation providers, agricultural operations and the traveling public.

Rest Requirements Remain in Place

The waiver does not eliminate the need for drivers to obtain rest. If a driver tells a motor carrier that immediate rest is needed, the driver must be allowed to stop at a suitable, safe location and receive at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before resuming driving.

The additional flexibility applies only to qualifying fuel-hauling operations covered by the FMCSA waiver. Other commercial motor vehicle operations remain subject to the standard federal hours-of-service requirements unless covered by a separate exemption.

Fuel Prices Add Pressure

The emergency measure comes as diesel prices reach record levels. The national average price for diesel was reported at approximately $6.29 to $6.40 per gallon during the period surrounding the waiver, while gasoline prices ranged from about $4.31 to $4.44 per gallon.

Diesel costs have a direct effect on trucking operations, freight rates and the price of goods transported across the country. The waiver is intended to help fuel carriers keep gasoline and diesel moving during periods of increased demand and market disruption.

Impact Will Depend on Fuel Supply

FMCSA said the temporary increase in operating flexibility is designed to reduce the risk of fuel-supply interruptions. However, the waiver alone is not expected to determine retail fuel prices, which are also influenced by global crude oil markets, refinery output, transportation capacity and geopolitical disruptions.