Waste Haulers Exempt from HOS Regulations in Expanded Emergency Declaration from FMCSA

Waste Haulers Exempt from HOS Regulations in Expanded Emergency Declaration from FMCSA

NWRA Thanks FMCSA for Including Waste Haulers in the New Declaration

Arlington, VA – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released its Expanded Emergency Declaration and an accompanying Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document as it relates to Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations during the COVID-19 national emergency. The new declaration and FAQs that specifically exempt waste haulers from HOS are in direct response to a request by the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) in a letter to Acting Administrator Jim Mullen. Other requirements under Parts 390-399, which include vehicle maintenance, inspection and driver qualifications, are also waived for waste haulers.

The declaration is as follows:

This Emergency Declaration provides regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations providing direct assistance in support of emergency relief efforts related to the COVID-19 outbreaks, including transportation to meet immediate needs for:  . . .  (2) supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19  . . .  

The FAQ issued by FMCSA clarifies this specifically with regard to our industry:

Are haulers of household waste and medical waste covered under the terms of the declaration? Yes, transportation for removal of both household and medical waste is covered as “supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19.”

“We extend our thanks to FMCSA for recognizing the vital role of the waste industry by including us in their Expanded Emergency Declaration. NWRA remains committed to working with federal and state officials to ensure our members can properly and safely respond to this health crisis,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith.

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ABOUT NWRA
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage waste, recycling and medical waste, equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of other service providers. For more information about NWRA, please visit www.wasterecycling.org.

Contact
Brandon Wright
National Waste and Recycling Association
bwright@wasterecycling.org
202-364-3706