Fuel Emergency Gives More Haulers Much-Needed Breathing Room

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has amended a 90-day hours-of-service waiver to extend limited flexibility to more interstate motor carriers transporting fuel. The relief is intended to help address supply disruptions, increased demand and higher operating costs, but carriers and drivers must meet specific conditions.

FMCSA expands fuel-hauler relief

FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs expanded the waiver for motor carriers transporting fuel during the current emergency. The agency said the change is intended to provide additional flexibility as global supply disruptions, elevated demand and rising costs affect fuel availability.

The waiver applies only to qualifying fuel-hauling operations and does not eliminate other federal safety requirements. Drivers and carriers operating under the relief must comply with the conditions outlined by FMCSA and any applicable state emergency orders.

Nebraska eases weight and driving-hour rules

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen signed Executive Order 26-25 on Oct. 19 after customers and retailers reported shortages of several fuel products. The state said fuel haulers were traveling farther than usual to locate and deliver available supplies.

Under the order, qualifying fuel trucks may carry up to 10% more weight on Nebraska roads. The order also provides temporary relief from certain driving-hour requirements through Nov. 18.

Drivers operating under Nebraska’s emergency order must carry a copy of the proclamation as proof that their trip directly supports the state’s fuel emergency response.

West Virginia declares statewide emergency

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a 60-day state of emergency covering all 55 counties and signed an executive order providing temporary relief involving red-dyed diesel fuel.

The order is intended to help address rising diesel costs and provide relief to families and businesses affected by fuel-market pressures. Red-dyed diesel is generally used for off-road purposes, including agricultural and heavy equipment operations, and its use under the state order is subject to the terms of the emergency declaration.

Carriers operating under either the federal waiver or a state emergency order should review the applicable requirements before relying on the temporary relief. The provisions may differ by jurisdiction and by the type of fuel-hauling operation involved.