As of this past Friday (March 13, 2020), the hours-of-service law which mandates how many hours truck drivers can work will be suspended at a federal level for the first time in history.
Moreover, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration‘s declaration provides for regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts intended to meet immediate needs for:
- Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and also treatment of COVID-19.
- Supplies and equipment including masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants. Any that are necessary for healthcare worker, patient and community safety, sanitation, and prevention of COVID-19 spread in communities.
- Food for emergency restocking of stores.
- Equipment, supplies and persons necessary for establishment and management of temporary housing and quarantine facilities related to COVID-19.
- Persons designated by Federal, State or local authorities for transport for medical, isolation or quarantine purposes.
- Personnel to provide medical or other emergency services.
With the hours-of-service law lifted, drivers must still receive 10 hours of off duty time if they are transporting property. They also need 8 hours of off duty time if they are transporting passengers.
If your organization still needs additional guidelines for maintaining your trucking company’s commercial insurance program, contact one of our Risk Advisors or call 914-357-8444.
For More Information on COVID-19 Click Here for Our Resource Guide
Photo by Sam Trotman on Unsplash
