US Eases Hours-of-Service Rules for Fuel Truckers Amid Supply Concerns

The U.S. Department of Transportation has temporarily relaxed hours-of-service rules for truck drivers transporting gasoline and diesel fuel, citing concerns over supply chain stability and high costs. The 90-day waiver, which took effect Wednesday, is intended to provide flexibility and prevent potential fuel shortages.

Waiver Expands Driving Hours

Under the new temporary rules, eligible drivers can operate for up to 16 hours within a 24-hour window, an increase from the previous limit of 14 hours, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The measure requires that drivers continue to take all legally mandated rest breaks.

The department’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) stated that the action was taken "in anticipation of the need for greater hours-of-service flexibility." The agency also noted that motor carriers with conditional safety ratings are excluded from the waiver, and any driver who needs immediate rest must take 10 consecutive hours off-duty before resuming work.

Market Context and Rationale

The move comes as diesel prices reach historic highs, putting pressure on the logistics industry and the broader economy. The U.S. average price for diesel fuel recently hit a record $6.29 per gallon, up from $3.74 a year ago, according to figures from the Energy Information Administration.

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The FMCSA said the waiver aims to "respond to global supply disruptions" and an expected rise in fuel demand through the late summer and fall. The agency hopes to mitigate the impact on the cost and availability of fuel for commercial transportation, agricultural harvesting, and the general public. The source material noted that global diesel supplies are expected to remain tight due to limited spare refining capacity and geopolitical factors.

A Standard Emergency Procedure

While significant, such waivers are a standard tool used by regulators to address emergencies. The Department of Transportation has routinely issued similar orders to ensure the flow of essential goods during natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, or severe winter storms.

A comparable national emergency order was issued in March 2020 to waive service-hour requirements for drivers transporting relief supplies, food, and medical equipment during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.