The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a regional emergency declaration, effective until January 31, in response to severe winter weather conditions. This declaration applies across all 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., covering motor carriers and drivers involved in emergency relief efforts.
The emergency was declared due to intense winter storms, extremely low temperatures, and challenges in distributing heating fuels like propane, natural gas, and heating oil. These conditions have created significant risks to public health, safety, and welfare. The declaration aims to address these urgent needs by facilitating the immediate transportation of heating fuels.
Under this order, drivers and motor carriers in the affected states are temporarily exempt from the maximum driving time regulations for vehicles transporting property.
FMCSA defines “direct assistance” as transportation and relief services provided to restore essential supplies or services in response to the emergency. However, this does not include activities related to long-term infrastructure repair or routine commercial deliveries. Mixed loads with small amounts of emergency relief goods added to qualify for benefits under this declaration are also excluded.
Direct assistance ends when a driver or vehicle is used for non-emergency-related purposes or when they are dispatched to other commercial operations not tied to the current emergency relief efforts.
