New Guidance Available For Hours-of-Service Waivers

(December 10, 2018) — The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) reports it has engaged the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) to update the November 2014 edition of the guidance on emergencies and hours-of-service (HOS) waivers. NPGA said it identified the need to clarify points of confusion regarding regional waivers afforded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), as well as provide state officials more information on what constitutes an emergency to justify a declaration and HOS waiver.

The guidance was reviewed by FMCSA for accuracy. Highlights of the November 2018 NASEO update include: announcing prospective declarations and HOS waivers; clarifying that FMCSA regional waivers apply to intrastate and interstate drivers; clarifying the variety of emergencies that may justify a declaration and HOS waiver, such as cold or wet weather, a natural disaster, railway or terminal interruptions, etc.; and providing state officials with sample questions to consider when assessing the need of an emergency declaration and an HOS waiver.

The guidance document was published by NASEO on Nov. 21 and is available online on NPGA’s website under the member dashboard. Questions may be directed to 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, December 10, 2018)