Fuel Emergency Relief Gives More Truck Haulers Room to Breathe
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has amended a 90-day hours-of-service waiver to give more interstate fuel haulers flexibility while responding to supply disruptions, higher demand and rising operating costs. The relief remains subject to eligibility requirements and other conditions.
Waiver Expanded for Fuel Transportation
FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs expanded the waiver to cover additional motor carriers transporting fuel in direct support of the emergency response. The change is intended to help carriers move gasoline, diesel and other fuel products when supply interruptions require longer trips or create increased delivery demand.
Drivers operating under the order must carry a copy of the applicable emergency proclamation as documentation that their movements directly support the state’s response during the emergency period.
Nebraska Emergency Order
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 operate with up to 10% additional weight on state roads and provides temporary relief from certain driving-hour requirements through Nov. 18.
State officials said the shortages required fuel haulers to travel farther to locate available product, increasing the time and operational demands associated with deliveries.
Conditions Remain in Effect
The FMCSA waiver does not provide a blanket exemption for all commercial drivers or freight movements. Carriers and drivers must meet the order’s eligibility requirements, remain directly involved in fuel transportation related to the emergency and comply with all conditions attached to the waiver.
The federal action follows emergency measures by states seeking to maintain fuel supplies during periods of disruption. The relief is temporary and applies only for the duration and purposes specified in the applicable federal and state orders.
