FMCSA emergency declaration

FMCSA extends Emergency Declaration 2020-002

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This morning, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extended Emergency Declaration 2020-002 to Feb. 28. 2022, subject to the restrictions and conditions set forth herein unless modified or terminated sooner.

From the FMCSA.

FMCSA is continuing the exemption and associated regulatory relief in accordance with 49 CFR § 390.25, because the presidentially declared emergency remains in place and because, although the number of COVID-19 cases began to decline in the U.S. following widespread introduction of vaccinations, persistent issues arising out of COVID-19 continue to affect the U.S. including impacts on supply chains and the need to ensure capacity to respond to variants and potential rises in infections. Therefore, a continued exemption is needed to support direct emergency assistance for some supply chains.

The American Trucking Associations sent out an email today with additional information. It included the following:

The declaration published today 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. Vaccines, constituent products, and medical supplies and equipment, including ancillary supplies/kits for the administration of vaccines, related to the prevention of COVID-19;
  4. 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,
  5. Food, paper products, and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores;
  6. Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and ethyl alcohol; and,
  7. Supplies to assist individuals impacted by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., building materials for individuals displaced or otherwise impacted as a result of the emergency).

This declaration applies only to 395.3 “Maximum Driving Time for Property-Carrying Vehicles”. This declaration becomes effective at 12:00 a.m. December 1, 2021 and expires February 28, 2022 unless modified or terminated sooner. Reporting requirements previously established remain in effect. To be eligible, the transportation must be both (1) of qualifying commodities and (2) incident to the immediate restoration of those essential supplies. We strongly encourage everyone to review the applicability, restrictions, and limitations listed within the waiver.

The FMCSA has also extended the CDL and CLP waivers under certain circumstances. Details can be found on the FMCSA website concerning the waiver and updated today.

Additionally, FMCSA has extended waivers related to third-party CDL skills test examiners, and CLP holders operating a CMV.