On March 16, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced relaxed hours of service (HOS) restrictions on food items that are replenishing grocery stores, and for a variety of supplies and equipment directly supporting the COVID-19 relief efforts.
Per the briefing, HOS have currently been lifted for the transportation of the following items:
- Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19
- Supplies and equipment, including masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants necessary for healthcare workers, 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 the 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
Update (3/19/20): On March 18, 2020, the Administration expanded the HOS exemptions to cover motor carriers carrying paper products and other groceries, as well as materials needed for the manufacturing of medical supplies and other items. The rule exemptions still do not, however, cover routine commercial deliveries, according to the FMCSA.