Washington D.C.— Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet welcomed the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) announcement that it will extend the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) emergency declaration that exempts certain commercial trucking operators from hours of service requirements. This comes after Bennet urged DOT last week to extend the exemption — which helps reduce the strain on America’s supply chain — after it was set to expire.

“The exemption has permitted truckers to move goods more quickly and increase the supply of everything from food to medical supplies available to consumers,” wrote Bennet in his letter to DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg last week. “While we are continuing to make progress in reducing COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, the Omicron variant is still placing significant stress on supply chains across a variety of industries. FMCSA’s  emergency declaration represents one way we can help address the supply chain issue and provide at least some check on increasing prices.”

Throughout the on-going Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, FMCSA has exempted commercial truckers from hours of service requirements who are transporting essential supplies including livestock and livestock feed, medical supplies, vaccines, groceries and paper products, and gasoline. DOT’s extension ensures this exemption will continue to increase trucking capacity to help strengthen our supply chain and support Colorado consumers. 

In his letter, Bennet also encouraged DOT to look for any other opportunities and regulatory changes that will make it easier for truckers to move goods across the country safely. 

The text of the letter is available HERE and below. 

Dear Secretary Buttigieg: 

I write to request that the Department of Transportation extend emergency declaration No. 2020- 02, which exempts certain commercial trucking operators from hours of service requirements. It is my understanding that the emergency declaration is due to expire in the coming days. 

As you know, our supply chains have continued to experience significant strain, which have limited choices and increased prices for consumers across the country. Much of this strain is the result of insufficient trucking capacity to transport the goods consumers need from the field or manufacturing facility to the shelf. 

To help address these challenges, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) has exempted commercial truckers from hours of service requirements who are transporting livestock and livestock feed, medical supplies, vaccines, groceries and paper products, and gasoline. The exemption has permitted truckers to move goods more quickly and increase the supply of everything from food to medical supplies available to consumers. 

While we are continuing to make progress in reducing COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, the Omicron variant is still placing significant stress on supply chains across a variety of industries. FMSCA’s emergency declaration represents one way we can help address the supply chain issue and provide at least some check on increasing prices. 

Though the exemption has been helpful, it is clear we must do more to meet the demand. As a result, I would also encourage DOT to look for any other opportunities and regulatory changes that will make it easier for truckers to safely move goods across the country. 

I appreciate your attention to this issue. 

Sincerely,