U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) on June 10 led a letter to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requesting regulatory relief for truck drivers to ensure the delivery of fuel and supplies in advance of major disasters and emergencies.
The congressman, along with 30 lawmakers in the House of Representatives, asked FMCSA Executive Director and Chief Safety Officer Sue Lawless to adopt advanced emergency declarations to provide for hours of service (HOS) exemptions for truck drivers during disaster events.
“To enhance state and regional preparedness and recovery efforts, a preemptive and proactive HOS exemptions policy is imperative for the immediate restoration of essential services and supplies in interstate commerce,” the letter said.
FMCSA has the authority to issue emergency declarations under federal law, but in many cases, relief is only granted after a disaster has already impacted the region, Rep. Bost’s office explained, creating confusion for multi-state fuel suppliers.
“I grew up in a family trucking business; I know red tape and delays at the federal level often make it harder for truckers to do their jobs and deliver their product when it matters most,” Rep. Bost said. “This commonsense policy change will help keep families safe and spur a quicker recovery during severe weather and supply chain disruptions.”
In addition to Rep. Bost, the letter was signed by U.S. Reps. John Joyce (R-PA), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Steve Womack (R-AR), Andy Barr (R-KY), French Hill (R-AR), Pete Stauber (R-MN) and Troy Balderson (R-OH).
“When communities are staring down the threat of a dangerous emergency, the last thing they should have to worry about is ready access to fuel for their homes and vehicles,” added Rep. Bost.