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FMCSA Extends HOS Exemption For Haulers of Oil Spill Supplies

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended its hours of service waiver for motor carriers and drivers transporting equipment, materials and supplies to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill area.  The previous declaration, issued April 30, provided for an exemption through May 14, but the new exemption expires on May 30. "The need for emergency relief has not abated," said Darrell L. Ruban, field administrator, in the amended declaration.

"Motor carriers and drivers transporting (i) specialized equipment to seal the ruptured well head and to effect other immediate and necessary repairs of the oil well and/or adjacent pipelines, (ii) booms, skimmers, chemical dispersants, flammable liquids and other oil containment equipment, or (iii) other equipment, supplies and materials used to provide direct assistance for emergency relief efforts related to the above oil spill are exempt from 49 CFR Parts 390-399 continuing after 11:59 p.m. EDT, May 14, 2010 until 11:59 p.m. EDT, May 30, 2010," the declaration said.

The resulting oil spill, which occurred April 20, has damaged or is threatening the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, the FMCSA said. Drivers delivering the designated supplies to these states will be exempt from HOS rules.

The exemption also applies to any portion of the trip that occurs outside the affected states. However, carriers or drivers that have been placed out of service are not eligible for the waiver until the order expires. Drivers for motor carriers operating under this declaration must have a copy of it in their possession, Ruban said.

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