If you’ve heard rumors about the FMCSA lifting hours of service limits because of the fuel crisis… they’re mostly true.
At $8 a gallon in California and $6.53 across the United States, pump prices are squeezing the entire industry at unprecedented levels. As it stands, refineries are running at 97% utilization just to keep up.
Under such enormous pressure, something must go, and that ‘something’ is limitations on hours of operable service, according to the FMCSA.
Here’s everything you need to know about the recent lift, including who it affects and for how long.
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What the FMCSA Fuel Waiver Allows
Despite rumors, the lifting of hours-of-service limitations does not apply to all carriers.
The lift is only for those hauling gasoline and diesel interstate.
For those carriers moving the affected goods, the waiver allows for the following changes:
- Carriers are permitted a 16-hour driving window in 24 hours.
- Carriers must utilize 6 consecutive hours in a sleeper berth or 8 hours off duty inside those 24 hours.
- If you run 14 hours under the waiver and will resume normal operations, you must take a 10-hour off-duty break first.
Because this waiver is federally imposed, it supersedes state rules, making it a national policy for the duration of its institution.
Who Qualifies for the FMCSA Fuel Waiver?
In addition to hauling gasoline and diesel interstate, carriers must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the waiver:
- The carrier must not possess a conditional safety rating.
- The carrier must not possess an out-of-service order.
Otherwise, the typical waiver rules apply: carriers must carry a copy of the waiver with them, crashes must be reported to the FMSCA within 2 business days, etc.
Why is the FMCSA Making Exceptions?
The American Petroleum Institute estimates that the world has lost 10% of its fuel-making capacity due to recent geopolitical events. The aftermath is an enormous strain on refineries and a need for fuel to move faster.
With the lifting of hours-of-service limitations, trucking can bet on fuel moving faster, but not necessarily cheaper. That means the 74% price hike since the beginning of 2026 is still trimming carrier margins to their thinnest.
Don’t Wait for Relief
With fuel prices projected to stay elevated for the foreseeable future, nothing saves your budget better than a fuel card that takes dollars off every gallon of fuel.
To get started with the England Carrier Services fuel card in four easy steps, click here.
The FMCSA is lifting hours-of-service restrictions for carriers hauling diesel, but the price at the pump remains the same. As carriers grapple with historic costs, it becomes increasingly imperative for truckers to seize all the cost-saving tools at their disposal, but above all, secure a fuel card.
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