Miami, FL — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended its hours‑of‑service waiver through November 28, giving drivers in Florida and South Carolina more time to haul essential relief supplies after Hurricane Ian.
Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida on September 28, flooding towns and crippling infrastructure. In response, FMCSA declared a regional emergency that covered Florida and eight neighboring states, a move that temporarily loosened the strict 10‑hour driving rule that normally limits a CDL‑A driver to ten hours of operation per 14‑hour shift. The declaration, which expired on October 28, was renewed to keep the lifeline open for the months that followed.
Under Part 395.3 of the hours‑of‑service rules, drivers normally cannot exceed ten hours of driving without a mandatory rest period. The waiver, now valid until November 28, removes that cap for vehicles transporting direct emergency relief—defined by FMCSA as aid that does not involve routine commercial deliveries or long‑term reconstruction work. The agency added that if the emergency ends before the waiver’s deadline, the exemption will automatically lapse.
What This Means for Drivers
Owner‑operators and fleet managers can now schedule up to 14 hours of driving in a 14‑hour cycle, provided they record an eight‑hour rest period before the next shift. The rule still requires a 10‑hour rest after the 14‑hour driving window. OTR truck drivers hauling food, medical supplies, or emergency equipment will benefit from reduced downtime, allowing them to move more goods into affected communities each day. CDL‑A drivers must still log all hours in their logbooks and submit them to the FMCSA’s electronic system to avoid penalties.
Industry Reaction
Carriers across the South have welcomed the extension, noting that the waiver helps keep supply chains moving when the demand for aid is highest. Trucking companies hiring crews for disaster response report that the ability to drive longer hours has reduced the need for additional drivers and cut overall delivery times. However, safety advocates remind operators to monitor fatigue and adhere to rest requirements to keep crews safe.
Key Points
- FMCSA extends hours‑of‑service waiver until November 28 for Florida and South Carolina.
- Waiver removes the 10‑hour driving limit for direct emergency relief shipments.
- Drivers may operate up to 14 hours in a 14‑hour cycle, with an eight‑hour rest before the next shift.
- Only direct relief—excluding routine commercial deliveries—qualifies for the exemption.
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