FMCSA Adds Propane to Hours Of Service (HOS) Short-Haul Exemption

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) reports that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has amended its hours-of-service regulations. The move includes propane among the fuels excluded from the requirement to observe a 30-minute break when a driver unexpectedly exceeds the requirements of the short-haul criteria specified in 49 CFR 395.1(e).

While short-haul drivers are already exempt from the 30-minute rest break requirement, a recent exemption request by National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) to FMCSA was granted for circumstances where a driver briefly exceeds the short-haul criteria, triggering the requirement to take a 30-minute break after eight consecutive hours on duty—49 CFR 395.3. The exemption granted initially only applied to the transportation of petroleum fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and fueloil.

NPGA reviews that in September 2017, during a public review of the NTTC request, it argued that if the exemption to the rest-break requirement was granted it should also apply to propane short-haul operations. In April 2018, FMCSA granted the exemption but did not include propane. Following months of engagement between NPGA and the agency, a correction notice was issued by FMCSA including propane.

The exemption is in effect from April 9, 2018 to April 10, 2023. Drivers must keep a copy of the exemption notice in their vehicles. The notice was published in the Federal Register Nov. 9. For additional information, or to view a list of current HOS exemption waivers by state, visit npga.org. For quesitons contact Sarah Reboli, NPGA director of regulatory affairs, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.‘; .

(SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, November 26, 2018)