Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, April 16, 2020:
FMCSA suspends HOS for relief haulers after tornado outbreak in South
Severe weather across the Southern U.S. over the weekend prompted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to declare a regional emergency, suspending hours of service regulations for drivers and carriers providing direct relief to affected areas. At least 30 people were killed in storms that produced tornadoes, high winds and heavy rain.
States included in the declaration are: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
This emergency declaration is in addition to the existing COVID-19 declaration that suspends certain regulations for drivers and carriers hauling supplies related to the pandemic.
Averitt Express gives face masks to drivers
Averitt Express (No. 27 on the CCJ Top 250) has started distributing more than 5,000 face masks to its drivers, dock workers and other frontline associates that handle freight. Each associate will be provided multiple masks to help reduce the potential to contract COVID-19.
Averitt says it is also providing its drivers with hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and other disinfectants to be used while making pickups and deliveries.
TSA extends TWIC expiration dates for drivers
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Transportation Security Administration is extending the expiration date on Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) cards that expired on or after March 1. TSA, in a Federal Register notice published Wednesday, said TWIC holders will have 180 extra days to renew the ID.
The temporary exemption is in effect until July 31. TSA said if the 180-day period extends beyond the duration of the temporary exemption, the TWIC will be valid for the remainder of the 180 days based on the expiration date of the card.