In the wake of issues surrounding the Coronavirus, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has temporarily suspended certain hours of service regulations.

Image: Dennis Fraevich, Flickr Creative Commons

The change applies to truck drivers involved in direct assistance efforts, such as hauling medical supplies and testing equipment, masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, food and personnel. In order to maintain safety, a driver must receive a minimum of ten hours off duty if delivering property and eight hours off duty if transporting passengers. The relaxation remains in effect until April 12, 2020 or the suspension of the national emergency.

The changes to hours of service could affect thousands of Teamsters from UPS drivers to grocery delivery to van or bus drivers.