Fuel shortages trigger more emergency HOS exemptions
Fuel supply disruptions have been reported in much of the Northeast, extending as far west as Missouri.
An FMCSA regional emergency to address fuel transportation concerns is in effect through Dec. 26, and states in the region have also enacted separate emergency declarations.
Propane, natural gas and heating oil were of most significant concern throughout these states.
On Wednesday, Dec. 17, Connecticut joined the group of states to enact an emergency due to the current fuel supply.
Our snow fighting fleet is out in full force this morning, with hundreds of trucks out across the state ❄️ If you’re heading out this morning, please remember drivers have an important role to play — use caution, slow down, and don’t crowd the plow. #CTDOT #DontCrowdThePlow pic.twitter.com/Y0UGw7bFBh
— Connecticut Department of Transportation (@CTDOTOfficial) December 14, 2025
The exemption in Connecticut, in effect through Dec. 26, is specific to the intrastate transportation of diesel, heating oil, kerosene, propane, gasoline and biodiesel to homes, businesses and government entities during the emergency period.
This emergency waives requirements pertaining to the maximum driving time regulations for motor carriers providing direct assistance because of “the rapid accumulation of degree days, gale force winds and unanticipated maintenance at such terminals.”
Fuel prices are updated daily on this Land Line resources page.
Direct assistance terminates when a driver or commercial motor vehicle is used in intrastate or interstate commerce to transport cargo not destined for the emergency relief effort or when the carrier dispatches such driver to another location to begin operations in commerce.
Drivers operating under this exemption must have a copy of the order in their possession.
Motor carriers with an out-of-service order or any suspension or revocation of registration privileges cannot take advantage of this relief.
Drivers may return to compliance and restart the computation of maximum driving time after 24 hours off-duty, which begins at the end of their extended-hours period. LL