10 Things Fleets Need to Know Regarding Regulations & Safety During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

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The COVID-19 pandemic has created a number of changes for the trucking industry and their daily operations.  The industry has had to shift gears and adjust to address this crisis, while still ensuring that operations continue in a safe and efficient manner.  Many changes and adjustments have been put in place during this pandemic regarding safety and regulations for the industry.  Fleetworthy Solutions has compiled the following list of ten of the most important things fleets need to know affecting their operations during this pandemic:

  1. The FMCSA issued a first ever national emergency declaration to provide hours-of-service regulatory relief to commercial vehicle drivers transporting relief loads in response to the coronavirus outbreak. For more information click on the following link – https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/expanded-emergency-declaration-under-49-cfr-ss-39023-no-2020-002-relating-covid-19
  2. The DOT has issued updated, important guidance on compliance with Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations. Click for more information – https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/fmcsa-covid-19-drug-alcohol-testing-guidance
  3. FMCSA grants, until June 30, 2020, a waiver from certain regulations applicable to interstate and intrastate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders and to other interstate drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Click the following for more information – https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/fmcsa-cdl-waiver-32420
  4. An updated guidance memo, issued by the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, clearly identifies truck drivers and related logistics personnel as “essential employees” helping the nation attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Click the following link for more information – https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce
  5. Officials in multiple states have lifted restrictions on truck weight limits to allow delivery vehicles involved in emergency relief efforts to accommodate more freight during the coronavirus pandemic. Use this list to check updated information regarding the issuance of oversize/overweight permits by state – https://www.scranet.org/SCRA/Content/advocacy/2020-OSOW-Permit-Alerts.aspx?WebsiteKey=001fe5fc-27b8-4ad4-8d73-ecd309a18375
  6. The FMCSA published this notice that sets forth the Agency’s view of various actions State Drivers Licensing Agencies (SDLA) may exercise during the emergency relating to COVID-19. Click on the link for more information –  https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/notice-state-drivers-licensing-agencies-federal-motor-carrier-safety-administrations
  7. The FMCSA has published this notice detailing that they will not enforce the Temporary Operating Authority Registration fees. Click for more information – https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/notice-enforcement-discretion-emergency-declaration-2020-002-covid-19-03-20-2020
  8. Check out this helpful summary, listed by state, of IRP suspension and extensions. The list is updated at least once a day.  Click the following link –https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.irponline.org/resource/resmgr/notifications_3/COVID_19_Law_Enf.pdf
  9. Information and listing of executive orders relating to IFTA waivers and motor carriers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. List is by notice from each jurisdiction.  Click for more information – https://www.iftach.org/importantinfo.php
  10. An Enforcement Policy notice has been issued by the PHMSA. This temporarily halts enforcement and actions against shippers and carriers that are unable to comply with training requirements included in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).  Click the link for more information – https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/news/phmsa-enforcement-policy-notice-regarding-hazardous-materials-training

Fleetworthy Solutions would be happy to help you and your fleet navigate these turbulent, uncertain times.  In addition to the above, we have compiled many other resources, updates, and notices to assist you.  They are all available on our website at www.fleetworthy.com – check them out!  Stay safe and strong!!

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