April 9th, 2024 - 9:08 am
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended until May 8, 2024, the emergency declaration granting regulatory relief from hours of service requirements for drivers providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts related to the collapse of the bridge and partial closure of the Port of Baltimore in the State of Maryland.
According to FMCSA, direct assistance does not include transportation related to long-term rehabilitation of damaged physical infrastructure or routine commercial deliveries, after the initial threat to life and property has passed, or mixed loads with a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration.
The agency clarified that direct assistance includes:
Drivers providing direct assistance are exempt from the maximum driving time rules in 49 CFR 395.3 and the requirement to use electronic logging devices in 49 CFR 395.8.