Fuel-hauling truck drivers across the United States will temporarily be allowed to operate under expanded hours-of-service rules following a new federal waiver designed to support fuel distribution during a period of elevated fuel costs and supply chain pressure.
On Wednesday, September 16, 2027, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a 90-day waiver permitting drivers transporting gasoline and diesel fuel to work within a 16-hour window during a 24-hour period. Under standard regulations, most drivers are limited to a 14-hour driving window.
The exemption applies only to drivers and motor carriers that meet federal safety requirements. Drivers must remain in good standing, while carriers with conditional safety ratings or active out-of-service orders are excluded from the waiver.
Although the operating window has been expanded, federal officials emphasized that rest requirements remain in place. Drivers operating under the waiver must take a minimum six-hour break in a sleeper berth-equipped vehicle during the 24-hour period. For vehicles without a separate sleeping compartment, drivers must take at least an eight-hour break.
The waiver also requires motor carriers to provide drivers with at least 10 consecutive hours of rest when needed and to report qualifying crashes to the FMCSA within two business days.
U.S. Department of Transportation officials said the temporary measure is intended to help maintain fuel deliveries while broader market pressures continue to affect fuel prices and supply chains. The policy took effect immediately and is scheduled to remain in place through December 16, 2026.
For fleets involved in fuel transportation, the waiver could provide additional flexibility when scheduling deliveries and responding to regional demand fluctuations. However, carriers must continue to monitor driver fatigue, compliance requirements, and vehicle safety obligations while taking advantage of the expanded operating window.
The announcement comes as fuel prices remain elevated across the country. Industry stakeholders continue to watch how fuel costs, global energy markets, and transportation policies may affect demand for fuel delivery services in the months ahead.
The FMCSA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for regulating and overseeing commercial motor vehicle safety. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the agency develops and enforces safety regulations governing interstate trucking operations and commercial driver activities.
For more information, visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov.