FMCSA declares emergency, suspends HOS regulations in Hurricane-affected states

Sept. 13, 2017

This declaration allows drivers hauling emergency relief supplies, including fuel products, into the affected states to bypass hours-of-service regulations.

Source DOT FMCSA

Vesna Brajkovic

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Due to anticipated fuel shortages caused by refinery and pipeline damage from Tropical Storm Harvey, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued and expanded its emergency declaration that has been in effect since Aug. 31.

This declaration allows drivers hauling emergency relief supplies, including fuel products, into the affected states to bypass hours-of-service regulations.

The emergency declaration covers the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia.

For more information on how carriers can apply for temporary operating authority visit the FMCSA FAQ page.

The "duration of the emergency" will last until Sept. 30.

About the Author

Vesna Brajkovic | Associate Editor - Vehicle Repair Group

Vesna Brajkovic is a former associate editor for the Vehicle Repair Group.

Brajkovic has covered the transportation industry for a number of trade publications, with a focus on the vehicle maintenance and automotive aftermarket industries since 2016. Prior to that, she covered the global aviation industry as assistant editor for Endeavor Business Media's AviationPros.com, and held a number of editorial positions at an award-winning community newspaper.