The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced extensions Monday of several COVID-19 emergency waivers and declarations that were due to expire today but now are set to last until at least Feb. 28.
The hours-of-service waivers and declarations provide regulatory relief regarding maximum driving time but apply only to sectors of the trucking industry that are involved directly in pandemic relief efforts, including the transportation of medical supplies and equipment related to testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19, according to FMCSA.
The extended rules also apply to truckers who haul:
- Vaccines, products, and medical supplies and equipment, including supplies/kits for the administration of vaccines, related to COVID-19 prevention.
- Supplies and gear necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community COVID-19 transmission such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and soap.
- Supplies to assist individuals impacted by the consequences of the pandemic, such as building materials for individuals displaced or otherwise impacted as a result of the emergency.
- Food, paper products, and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores.
- Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and ethyl alcohol.
- Livestock and livestock feed.
FMCSA said reporting requirements previously established remain in effect. To be eligible for the waivers and declarations, the transportation must be both of qualifying commodities or related to the restoration of those essential supplies.
FMCSA also extended the CDL and CLP waivers in force under certain circumstances.
For medical examinations, FMCSA also waives the requirement that drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided they have proof of a valid medical certification and any required medical variance issued for a period of 90 days or longer and expired on or after Sept. 1.
FMCSA also extended waivers related to third-party CDL skills test examiners and CLP holders operating commercial motor vehicles.
