FMCSA Pressed by PA Lawmakers for Preemptive HOS Waivers Before Emergencies
Thirty-three Republican members of Congress from 22 states, including five from Pennsylvania, are urging the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to adopt a proactive policy for issuing Hours-of-Service (HOS) exemptions in anticipation of disasters, rather than waiting until after emergencies occur.
The initiative, led by Reps. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and Mike Collins (R-Ga.), aims to prevent delays and confusion in delivering critical supplies like fuel during emergencies. The lawmakers want FMCSA to:
- Automatically issue HOS waivers at least five days before a reliably predicted disaster.
- Implement a uniform federal policy for regional emergencies to avoid inconsistent state regulations.
They argue that the current system—granting exemptions only after disasters strike—slows down response efforts and creates regulatory confusion, especially for multistate fuel suppliers and truckers dealing with issues like road closures, increased demand, and extended travel times.
Pennsylvania’s Role:
Pennsylvania had five U.S. Representatives sign the June 10 letter:
- John Joyce
- Dan Meuser
- Rob Bresnahan Jr.
- Glenn "GT" Thompson
- Scott Perry
Their support highlights Pennsylvania’s concern for improving disaster logistics and ensuring timely fuel deliveries during crises.
The lawmakers stressed that clear and consistent federal guidance would:
- Reduce confusion across state lines.
- Ensure efficient fuel supply restoration.
- Support interstate commerce during and after emergency events.
This request comes as FMCSA recently issued an extended emergency declaration in response to historic flooding in Texas, illustrating the need for quicker and more uniform federal action during emergencies.