breaking

Two Carriers Seek Five-Year Relief From Federal Hours-of-Service Rules

Lone Star Haz Mat and Mainline Services LLC filed separate applications with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on the same day seeking five-year exemptions from Hours of Service regulations. Lone Star Haz Mat, based in Texas, requested relief for field response drivers returning home or to work bases following hazardous materials incident operations. Mainline Services, headquartered in Kansas City, seeks exemption for employees transporting equipment to clear derailed trains and debris from tracks during unplanned events affecting interstate commerce. The simultaneous filings mark a notable shift toward private company petitions. The FMCSA currently lists 10 active HOS exemptions, primarily benefiting industry associations and select carriers like UPS and WestRock. Most existing exemptions span four to five years, compared with shorter-duration waivers. Recent waivers, such as those granted to fertilizer haulers, typically expire within months.