The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on Wednesday extended the slated-to-expire Emergency Declaration through August 31, 2021. The Emergency Declaration includes an exemption for drivers hauling livestock, including live broilers, from current Hours-of-Service rules.
The Emergency Declaration was first issued on March 13, 2020 in response to the national state of emergency. The declaration is meant to provide regulatory relief to motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance in support of relief efforts related to the COVID-19 state of emergency.
FMCSA has extended the declaration numerous times since, although tightening the eligibility requirements. The transportation of livestock and livestock feed has always been included within the exemption, along with the transportation of other critical supplies such as medical equipment, COVID-19 personal protective equipment, paper products for restocking grocery stores, etc.
“In the interest of ensuring continued commercial motor vehicle safety,” FMCSA said of the eligibility requirements, “it is FMCSA’s intention to wind down the exemptions granted under this Emergency Declaration and related COVID-19 regulatory relief measures to the extent possible. FMCSA intends to review the status of this Emergency Declaration as of July 1, 2021, and may take action to modify or terminate the Emergency Declaration sooner if conditions warrant.”
FMCSA’s full extension can be found here.
