FMCSA Extends Emergency Relief Declaration to Aug. 14

Livestock haulers are among those getting extended emergency relief. (Paccar Inc.)

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration again extended its emergency relief declaration for truckers directly assisting with coronavirus-related efforts.

FMCSA on July 13 announced the declaration will remain in place through Aug. 14. The agency explained the extension is necessary to continue aid efforts across certain supply chains.

“This extension addresses national emergency conditions that create a need for immediate transportation of essential supplies,” said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Jim Mullen in an advisory. Motor carriers and drivers are considered essential to providing medical care and supplies related to COVID-19.

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Specifically, according to the notice, the extension offers “regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations providing direct assistance in support of emergency relief efforts related to COVID-19 and is limited to transportation of livestock and livestock feed; medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19; and 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.”

The emergency declaration, which had been set to expire July 14, covers every state and the District of Columbia. It keeps the exemption from Parts 390-399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Those sections pertain to hours of service, parts and accessories needed for safe operation, and longer combination vehicles.

The declaration, however, does not grant relief from speed limits, drug and alcohol regulations, or size and weight requirements.

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