In its latest extension, however, FMCSA condensed its definition of motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance in support of relief efforts related to COVID-19. FMCSA has extended emergency relief for the following categories only:
- Livestock and livestock feed
- Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19
- Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19, such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants
“Direct assistance does not include routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration,” according to FMCSA’s declaration.
FMCSA has concluded that there is no longer a need for emergency relief for the other categories of supplies, equipment, and drivers covered by the May 13 extension. The following categories are no longer covered under the exemption:
- Food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores
- Immediate precursor raw materials — such as paper, plastic or alcohol
- Fuel
- Liquefied gases to be used in refrigeration or cooling systems
- Equipment, supplies and persons necessary to establish and manage temporary housing, quarantine, and isolation facilities related to COVID-19
- Those designated by federal, state or local authorities for medical, isolation, or quarantine purposes
- Those necessary to provide other medical or emergency services, the supply of which may be affected by the COVID-19 response
This article was originally posted by American Trucker.
