Hours of Service waiver ensures supply chain disruptions don’t delay gasoline and diesel shipments
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will temporarily add flexibility to its hours of service (HOS) rules for truck drivers handling gasoline and diesel shipments.
Short-term supply chain disruptions can delay gasoline and diesel shipments, which in turn can impact freight delivery shipments. By giving truckers transporting these critical supplies the ability to drive additional hours if they are not fatigued, the agency is helping protect against shortages, lower costs for families at the pump, and reduce strain on America’s agricultural producers.
“From unleashing American energy production to alleviating short-term supply chain pressures, the Trump Administration is constantly taking action to lower fuel prices,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Our great American truckers will continue to haul the products that power America and keep our economy moving.”
Additional Information:
Issued today, September 16, 2026, and effective for 90 days, the waiver balances this essential operational relief with key provisions to maintain high safety standards on public roads:
- Truck drivers transporting these fuels can now operate up to 16 hours within a 24-hour window, as long as they take their required rest breaks to ensure they are well-rested.
- This relief is strictly available for drivers and motor carriers in good standing, meaning anyone with a conditional safety rating or an active out-of-service order is excluded.
- If a driver feels fatigued, the driver is required to find a safe place to rest and take a rest break. Additionally, carriers are required to report any incidents to FMCSA within two business days to ensure strict oversight.