New Hours of Service Relief Urged Before Devastating Events Occur

Congress Pushes FMCSA for Early Hours of Service Relief

Lawmakers Want Early Hours of Service Action

A group of 33 members of Congress is asking the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to make an important policy change. In a letter sent on June 10, 2025, they urged FMCSA Executive Director Sue Lawless to create a policy that allows hours of service relief before disasters begin.

The lawmakers want a clear plan that can be used in advance of emergencies. They believe this would help drivers deliver fuel and supplies more safely and efficiently. They say early action from FMCSA would better prepare the country for hurricanes, winter storms, and other emergencies.

Disasters Are Disrupting Fuel Supply Chains

The letter points out that disasters are becoming more common and more intense. These events are often disrupting the supply of fuel and other critical services. The lawmakers say FMCSA has an important role in preventing these problems before they begin.

Fuel marketers are key players during these events. They keep gas stations stocked. In cold weather, they deliver fuel oil so homes can stay warm. Their work is vital before, during, and after emergencies.

In the letter, lawmakers wrote that one of the best ways FMCSA can help is to issue hours of service relief. That authority is granted under 49 C.F.R. § 390.23(b). It lets the agency temporarily ease driving limits when truckers are helping in disaster response.

This kind of relief helps drivers overcome major challenges. These include longer wait times at fuel terminals, detours caused by closed roads, and greater demand across the supply chain. Relief from hours of service rules can help drivers reach more locations safely during these difficult times.

Lawmakers Outline Two Key Requests for Hours of Service Policy

The letter includes two main policy changes the lawmakers want to see:

1. Offer Hours of Service Relief in Advance
   The letter asks FMCSA to develop guidance that would allow for hours of service relief at least five days before a disaster. The lawmakers say this is important for planning and fuel delivery. Fuel marketers need time to prepare stations and homes before conditions become unsafe.
   
   The letter explains:
   “Marketers must keep stations and homes adequately fueled ahead of an emergency or disaster to support evacuations and prepare for forthcoming logistics complications that could result in shortages.”
   
   
2. Make Hours of Service Relief Consistent Across States
   Right now, emergency declarations often come from individual states. Each state can issue different rules, timelines, and covered fuels. That causes confusion for companies that operate in multiple states. Some states include heating fuels, and others do not. Start and end dates vary widely.
   
   The lawmakers wrote:
   “A uniform federal approach to regional emergencies is essential to prevent confusion and compliance challenges caused by the piecemeal adoption of state emergency declarations with varying conditions.”

FMCSA Already Has the Authority to Provide Relief

The letter also reminds FMCSA that it does not need to wait for states to take action. In 2023, the agency confirmed that it has the power to issue federal emergency declarations. The lawmakers are asking FMCSA to use that authority in a more proactive way.

They want FMCSA to prepare for multi-state emergencies ahead of time. Clear federal guidance, they say, would help trucking companies plan better. It would also reduce confusion when drivers move fuel across state lines.

According to the letter:
“Clarity and consistency will enable drivers to make the best route decisions for the efficient restoration of essential fuel supplies.”

Congress Offers Support to Improve Hours of Service Policy

The lawmakers ended the letter by offering to work with FMCSA on the policy changes. They said they support creating a proactive plan to offer hours of service relief during regional emergencies.

Among the lawmakers who signed the letter are Representatives Mike Bost, Mike Collins, Troy Nehls, Ralph Norman, Thomas Massie, and Glenn “GT” Thompson. They were joined by 27 other members of Congress from across the country.

Their goal is to help FMCSA protect supply chains and prepare for emergencies more effectively. A uniform and proactive hours of service policy, they believe, is a step in the right direction.