Hours of Service Waiver for Livestock Haulers is Extended Again

If you need to move cattle or feed during the next couple of months, this is particularly good news from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
If you need to move cattle or feed during the next couple of months, this is particularly good news from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
(Wayne Bechtel)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended through Feb. 28, 2022, a 50-state emergency declaration offering regularity relief for drivers who are hauling certain supplies during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Hours of Service (HOS) rule limits truckers to 11 hours of driving time and 14 consecutive hours of on-duty time in any 24-hour period and requires prescribed rest periods.

The waiver extension applies to truck drivers who are hauling the following supplies in direct support of COVID-19 relief efforts:

  • Livestock and livestock feed
  • Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19
  • Vaccines, constituent products, and medical supplies and equipment including ancillary supplies/kits for the administration of vaccines, related to the prevention of COVID-19
  • Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants
  • Food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores
  • Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and ethyl alcohol
  • Supplies to assist individuals impacted by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., building materials for individuals displaced or otherwise impacted as a result of the emergency)

The FMCSA also reiterated that the HOS waiver does not give motor carriers the right to compel fatigued drivers to operate. Any driver who informs a motor carrier that they need rest is to be given 10 hours before they are required to return to duty, FMCSA said.

 

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