FMCSA Issues HOS Waiver for Oil Spill Cleanup

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a waiver from its hours-of-service rules for trucks hauling supplies being used in the cleanup of the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Field Administrator Darrell Rubin said that the order issued Friday provides “immediate relief from certain regulations on motor carrier transportation is necessary to ensure timely delivery of essential equipment and supplies, including specialized oil well equipment to seal the ruptured well head, and booms, skimmers, chemical dispersants, flammable liquids and other oil containment equipment.”

Since an April 20 an explosion and fire on the Deepwater Horizon oil platform, efforts have been under way to contain the millions of gallons of oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico.

The waiver for hours of service rules is only applicable to carriers operating in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.