FMCSA Update: Modified/Expanded COVID-19 Emergency Declaration

Via American Trucking Associations (ATA)

FMCSA extended – and modified – the emergency declaration that was set to expire on Aug. 14. The modified declaration provides regulatory relief for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance in support of relief efforts related to COVID-19, and has been expanded to included emergency restocking of distribution centers and stores.

Specifically, the declaration is limited to the transportation of:

1. Livestock and livestock feed;
2. Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19;
3. 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, and;
4. Food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores.

Please note, this modified declaration is not effective until 12:01 a.m. ET Aug. 15, and expires on at 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 14, 2020.

Under this declaration, emergency regulatory relief is provided from parts 390 through 399 of the FMCSRs, including the hours-of-service regulations. Emergency relief does not include certain FMCSR’s related to the safe operation of CMVs, such as controlled substance and alcohol testing, financial responsibility requirements, CDL requirements, operation of a CMV while ill or fatigued, size and weight requirements, and additional FMCSR’s which are outlined in the declaration.

We encourage everyone to review the applicability, restrictions, and limitations which are included in the exemption posted to the FMCSA’s website.