Expert Insights on DOT Compliance
In-depth analysis, regulatory updates, and practical compliance guidance from transportation attorneys and industry experts.
COVID-19 emergency HOS exemption lapses
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has chosen not to renew its Covid-19 emergency declaration that had been in place since March 2020 and provided some regulatory relief (primarily HOS-related) for carriers and drivers transporting certain commodities as part of the emergency relief efforts like vaccines, food supplies, etc. The declaration, which the agency had renewed several times over the past two years, expired on October 15th. According to the FMCSA's website, "There a
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA evaluating continued need for COVID emergency declaration
In a notice posted to the Federal Register on September 6, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is seeking comments from regulated motor carriers concerning their use of the existing COVID-19 emergency declaration and exemption, in an effort for the agency to determine whether it should continue to renew that declaration going forward. The FMCSA first issued the declaration on March 13, 2020, offering a fairly broad exemption from various parts of the federal safety regu
Brandon Wiseman
What is the split sleeper berth rule?
One of the more confusing aspects of the federal hours-of-service rules, at least for some drivers, is the so-called “split sleeper berth” rule. Used correctly, this rule offers some decent flexibility to drivers whose trucks are equipped with a sleeper berth, particularly when it comes to times they are detained at shipper or receiver facilities. But the rule isn’t all that intuitive, unfortunately, so in this article, we will break down the split sleeper rule. But generally speaking...The spli
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA again extends COVID-19 emergency exemption
The FMCSA again extends its COVID-19 related exemption for carriers providing direct assistance to emergency relief efforts.
Brandon Wiseman
Ohio DOE seeks exemption from ELDT rule for school bus drivers
The DOE claims Ohio's existing state training requirements for school bus operators negate the need for additional training.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA coordinating with states on Colonial Pipeline exemptions
The FMCSA is working with individual states that have issued their own emergency orders in response to the Colonial Pipeline shutdown.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA issues emergency FMCSR exemption for certain fuel transporters
FMCSA issues emergency safety regulation exemption for fuel haulers in response to Colonial pipeline shutdown.
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