Fuel Emergency Gives More Haulers Breathing Room, Land Line Media Reports

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has expanded its 90-day hours-of-service waiver for certain interstate fuel haulers, giving more carriers flexibility to transport gasoline and diesel during ongoing supply disruptions. The relief is subject to eligibility requirements and other conditions.

Waiver Covers Fuel-Supply Operations

FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs amended the waiver to include additional motor carriers transporting fuel to address disruptions in supply, increased demand and higher operating costs.

The waiver applies only to qualifying operations directly supporting fuel distribution during the emergency period. Drivers and carriers operating under the relief must comply with the waiver’s conditions and maintain documentation showing that their movements are covered.

Drivers are required to carry a copy of the applicable emergency proclamation as evidence that they are providing direct support during the emergency. The waiver does not provide blanket relief from federal safety requirements.

States Take Additional Fuel Measures

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen signed Executive Order 26-25 on Oct. 19 after customers and retailers reported shortages of several fuel products. The order allows qualifying fuel trucks to carry up to 10% more weight on state roads and provides temporary relief from certain driving-hour restrictions through Nov. 18.

State officials said some haulers were traveling farther than usual to locate available fuel, increasing the time and distance required to complete deliveries.

In West Virginia, Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a 60-day state of emergency covering all 55 counties. The order provides temporary relief related to the use of red-dyed diesel fuel and is intended to assist farmers, loggers and timber haulers facing higher operating costs.

Emergency Declaration Provides Federal Background

The federal waiver follows the national energy emergency declared by President Donald Trump during his second term. Federal officials have cited energy supply concerns, higher fuel prices and disruptions affecting the availability and transportation of fuel.

Motor carriers should review the specific terms of the FMCSA waiver and any applicable state orders before operating under the temporary relief.