US News
US temporarily extends daily driving limits for fuel truckers to 16 hours
Jalopnik reports that the Department of Transportation will allow fuel haulers extra daily hours for 90 days.
The short version
- The Department of Transportation is temporarily allowing fuel truck drivers to work up to 16 hours a day instead of the previous 14-hour limit.[Jalopnik]
- The 90-day waiver applies to haulers transporting fuels such as gasoline and diesel to help avert shortages and lower prices.[Jalopnik]
- Drivers qualify only if they maintain good standing, take required rest breaks, and have no active out-of-service orders.[Jalopnik]
- Safety advocates have noted that fatigue elevates crash risks for long-shift commercial drivers.[Jalopnik]
Key facts
- U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a temporary 90-day rule change allowing fuel haulers to work up to 16 hours a day.[Jalopnik]
- Fuel transport drivers were previously restricted to a 14-hour workday within a 24-hour window.[Jalopnik]
- The administration stated the policy aims to prevent supply shortages, lower consumer pump costs, and ease agricultural burdens.[Jalopnik]
- Extended shifts require mandatory rest breaks and exclude drivers with conditional safety ratings or active out-of-service orders.[Jalopnik]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unverified whether the temporary waiver will achieve lower retail fuel prices or alter crash rates during the 90-day window.[Jalopnik]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.