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FMCSA Issues HOS Waiver for 40 States After Storm
Agency Suspends Hours Rules to Speed Emergency Deliveries as Severe Winter Weather Affects Most of US
Key Takeaways:
- FMCSA issued a regional emergency declaration suspending hours-of-service rules through Feb. 6 to support winter storm relief across 40 states.
- The waiver aims to speed delivery of essential supplies and services amid severe cold, power outages and widespread transportation disruptions, according to the agency.
- FMCSA said it may extend the suspension as conditions evolve while other federal agencies deploy crews and support state emergency response efforts.
Responding to severe winter weather that has blanketed much of the country, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a large-scale temporary waiver on limits for operating certain vehicles.
The agency with jurisdiction over commercial trucks and buses recently announced a regional emergency declaration that suspends hours-of-service rules for vehicle operators tasked with emergency relief.
The HOS regulatory suspension, which took effect Jan. 23, is scheduled to end Feb. 6. FMCSA indicated it would continue to evaluate and assess winter weather conditions nationwide. In the event extreme cold affects multiple states, the agency explained it would likely extend the HOS suspension.
“This waiver supports urgent winter emergency response while maintaining overall safety. Apply relief only to qualifying emergency operations,” FMCSA said in its announcement issued Jan. 23.
On social media, the agency added, “Winter weather is here! FMCSA has issued an hours-of-service waiver for 40 states to provide flexibility for certain drivers. Please slow down, watch for icy conditions, & increase following distance. Safety always comes first.”
The HOS rules suspension is specific to motor carriers as well as professional drivers actively engaged in delivering direct assistance during emergency relief efforts. The transport of services in dozens of states that support the immediate restoration of supplies and services during the weather emergency qualifies for the regulatory suspension.
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Snow removal in Philadelphia on Jan. 26. (Matt Rourke/Associated Press)
FMCSA indicated the suspension pertains to jurisdictions in Washington, D.C., as well as Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
According to FMCSA’s advisory, “This emergency declaration is issued in response to severe winter storms and cold temperatures substantially below normal in the affected states and the current and anticipated effects on people and property, including the immediate risk to public health, safety and welfare.”
“This emergency declaration,” per FMCSA, “addresses the emergency conditions creating a need for immediate transportation relating to the restoration of essential services and essential supplies.”
Commercial vehicle operators are required to adhere to federal regulations after the emergency declaration expires in early February.
FMCSA is among the federal agencies responding to the recent severe winter weather. On Jan. 27, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced the deployment to Mississippi and Tennessee of specialized U.S. Forest Service “hotshot crews.” That team will help local agencies remove debris from roadways. Doing so is meant to better facilitate emergency access.
“President [Donald] Trump’s swift action authorizing federal support for Mississippi and Tennessee shows this administration’s commitment to helping governors as they lead disaster response in their states,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator Karen Evans. “Our teams have worked nonstop with Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to ensure they have everything necessary to save lives.”
FEMA also reminded the country, “When power goes out, staying warm can be difficult. The extreme cold can create serious health risks, such as hypothermia and frostbite. If you have access to alternate power sources, you might be able to look up information for your neighbors about local warming centers or emergency shelters.”
In a public service announcement ahead of the winter storm, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed the public, “The most important thing you can do is stay off the roads for your own safety. But to also ensure that emergency services can get to where they need to go.”
A deep freeze has put a stop to most business-as-usual schedules in major metropolitan areas and rural transportation corridors. Several dozen deaths have been reported as power outages have affected multiple states. This extreme cold has prompted state and local agencies to activate emergency response teams. Forecasters indicated the potential for additional severe storms throughout February.
