The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has opened the floor for public comments regarding several exemption requests that could significantly impact industry regulations. These proposals touch on hours of service, CDL testing adjustments, employment application protocols, and more. Below, we unpack the details of each exemption, highlighting their potential implications.
Seasonal Hours-of-Service Exemption
Proposal Overview
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has requested a seasonal adjustment to hours-of-service rules to accommodate winter pressures. Specifically, they are seeking approval for a seasonal exemption lasting from December 15 through March 15 annually. During this period, drivers would be allowed to:
- Drive up to 12 hours per day.
- Remain on-duty for 15 hours per day.
- Replace the 34-hour restart rule with a 24-hour restart rule for weekly on-duty limitations.
Under current federal regulations, truck drivers are restricted to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour time frame after taking 10 consecutive hours off. The proposed modifications aim to give the propane industry greater flexibility in managing harsh winter conditions.
Why It’s Needed
According to the NPGA’s exemption application, the adjustment is essential for ensuring propane delivery during emergencies. They cite challenges faced in the winter of 2024-2025, which was noted as the harshest in over a decade.
“The winter of 2024-2025 was the most disruptive in 11 years,” NPGA stated. “Extreme cold snaps, polar vortexes, ice storms, and other winter weather affected significant areas of the United States between early January and late March. Major significant pipelines went on allocation, restricting the capacity to get fuel to homes. Storage levels close to affected communities ran empty. Roads remained unpassable for days, and states restricted all commercial driving on roads … As a result of these needs, long- and short-haul drivers often reach the maximum operating limits … within four days.”
FMCSA is asking stakeholders to weigh in on this proposal before the July 31 deadline. To make your voice heard, visit Regulations.gov and enter Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0125.
Agricultural Operations Exemption
Proposed Adjustment
Indiana-based Protein Transport, a company focused on poultry hauling, has filed for a waiver that would allow its operations to fall under the agricultural exemptions in FMCSA’s hours-of-service regulations. These exemptions currently apply to drivers transporting agricultural products within a 150 air-mile radius.
Protein Transport argues that supply chain disruptions, including those caused by the ongoing avian flu outbreaks, have made it difficult to retain enough qualified drivers to meet their operational demands.
Safety Measures
The company has assured FMCSA that its exemption request will not compromise safety. Protocols outlined in its application include:
- Regular vehicle inspections every 10,000 miles.
- Routine oil changes every 15,000 miles.
- Encouraging drivers to notify management if they feel the need for a break while on the job.
FMCSA is accepting public feedback on this proposal through July 31. Comments can be submitted via Regulations.gov by entering Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0103.
CDL Testing for Martha’s Vineyard Drivers
Unique Local Challenge
The Massachusetts Department of State Police is lobbying for a change to CDL testing requirements for residents of Martha’s Vineyard. Due to infrastructure restrictions, the island lacks road configurations that allow for the two sets of lane changes mandated in the current CDL skills test, which includes:
- Signaling appropriately during lane changes.
- Demonstrating safe decision-making while merging, passing, or entering traffic.
The Case for an Exemption
State police officials argue that there are no feasible alternatives for conducting the prescribed lane-change maneuvers on the island. Amending this requirement would make it easier for their residents to obtain necessary licensure without compromising safety.
FMCSA welcomes feedback on this exemption request until July 31. Interested parties can submit comments through Regulations.gov using Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0101.
Employment Application Modernization
A Bold Proposal
CloudTrucks, a Dallas-based motor carrier, has asked FMCSA for an exemption from traditional employment application requirements. The existing process requires employers to collect extensive details from driver applicants, including:
- Employment history with names and addresses.
- Dates of employment and reasons for leaving.
- Positions held and specifics about alcohol and substance testing protocols.
Instead, CloudTrucks proposes a streamlined alternative involving advanced verification processes. The company plans to utilize national databases such as HireRight’s Drive-A-Check (DAC) report, the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, and other screening programs such as the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS).
Benefits Cited
CloudTrucks claims their approach would simplify hiring while maintaining safety. They note that relying on credible federal databases would reduce administrative burden while accelerating the recruitment process.
“By leveraging verified federal databases, we can recruit drivers faster and improve highway safety while eliminating unproductive paper processes,” the company commented.
Public comments on this request will be accepted until July 31. To submit your input, visit Regulations.gov and enter Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0128.
Source: Land Line Media
