FMCSA Extends Emergency Relief Declaration to Sept. 14

A northbound truck crosses the Modoc County line in California. (Scott Sonner/AP)

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has again extended its emergency declaration relaxing hours-of-service rules for motor carriers that are providing direct assistance in support of coronavirus-related relief efforts.

The emergency declaration, set to expire Aug. 14, has been extended to Sept. 14 and applies to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It has been expanded to include emergency restocking of distribution centers and stores.

Specifically, the agency’s declaration is limited to the transportation of:

• Livestock and livestock feed.
• Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment 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.

The agency said the modified declaration is effective at 12 a.m. Eastern time Aug. 15, and expires 11:59 p.m. Sept.14, or until the revocation of the presidentially declared COVID-19 national emergency, whichever is sooner.

FMCSA Emergency Declaration by Transport Topics on Scribd

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Emergency relief declaration does not include certain federal regulations related to the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles, such as controlled substance and alcohol testing, financial responsibility requirements, commercial driver license requirements, operation of a CMV while ill or fatigued, size and weight requirements, and additional regulations outlined in the declaration.

Direct assistance does not include routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration, FMCSA said.

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