FMCSA Extends HOS Flexibility to 34 States for Fertilizer Haulers

Key Details The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration granted a temporary Hours of Service waiver affecting fertilizer drivers in 34 states from May 26 through August 26. Under this relief, drivers can operate for 16 hours within a 24-hour period instead of the standard 11-hour driving limit. Why It Matters Fertilizer supply constraints prompted The Fertilizer Institute to request this regulatory relief. The expanded driving window gives carriers critical flexibility during peak agricultural seasons when demand surges and time-sensitive deliveries are essential. What Changed Drivers must take either a 6-hour sleeper berth break or an 8-hour off-duty break during the remaining 24-hour window. The waiver also suspends ELD requirements, though drivers without electronic logging devices must maintain paper logs. Affected States The waiver covers 34 states: Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Bottom Line This temporary relief provides essential operational flexibility while supply chain pressures persist. Check your state's status and ensure compliance with break requirements and logging rules.