Critical Raw Materials Covered by Truckers’ Covid-19 Service-Hours Relief

Wood chips, sanitizing and disinfecting ingredients, and food containers are among the materials that could qualify the truck drivers hauling them for an emergency exemption from hours-of-service requirements, according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidance issued March 25.

To qualify, however, such raw materials and containers must be needed to address Covid-19 prevention and treatment efforts, the updated, nonbinding frequently asked questions said.

Specifically, raw materials and packaging would be covered if they are needed to make supplies and equipment that is tied to coronavirus-related testing, diagnosis, and treatment; that is needed for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of Covid-19 transmission; or that is needed to produce and transport products, such as emergency groceries, said the guidance, which clarifies emergency declaration requirements.

Feed and fertilizer also are covered as raw materials for needed items, it said.

Expanded hours-of-service regulatory relief under the declaration (No. 2020-002) was extended March 18 to commercial vehicle drivers who help transport supplies, equipment, or raw materials needed to ensure community safety and sanitation and to prevent transmission of the virus.