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THETRUCKER.COM Nation December 15-31, 2020 • 3 FMCSA expands emergency declaration to include transport of COVID-19 vaccine; extends hours-of-service regulatory relief through end of February THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES WASHINGTON — Because of the continuing national emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002, which was set to expire Dec. 31, through Feb. 28, 2021. In addition, the declaration has been expanded to include motor carriers and commercial drivers transporting COVID-19 vaccines. The extension and expansion waives hours-of-service regulations for commercial motor vehicle drivers and carriers that are providing direct assistance in support of COVID-19 emergency relief efforts. Relief efforts are limited to the transportation of: 1. Livestock and livestock feed; 2. Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19; 3. Vaccines, constituent products and medical supplies and equipment, including ancillary supplies/kits for the administration of vaccines, related to the prevention of COVID-19; 4. 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; and 5. Food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores. “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. While hours-of-service regulations are waived for qualifying vehicles, drivers must continue to comply with state laws and regulations, including speed limits and other restrictions, in addition to prohibitions on texting or using a hand-held mobile phone while driving. Motor carriers shall not require or allow fatigued drivers to operate a commercial motor vehicle. A driver who informs a carrier that he/she needs immediate rest shall be given at least 10 consecutive hours before the driver is required to return to service. 8 iStock Photo The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended through February 28, 2021, an Emergency Declaration that provides regulatory relief for commercial drivers and carriers providing direct assistance to COVID-19 relief efforts. In addition, the declaration has been expanded to include shipments of COVID-19 vaccine. TEAM DRIVERS $ 3,300UP pER TEAM AND GuARAnTEED WEEkly Courtesy: Seattle Department of Transportation Blog Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced that the city will repair the West Seattle Bridge rather than replacing it. Seattle mayor elects to repair, instead of replace, the cracked West Seattle Bridge THE ASSOCIATED PRESS SEA<strong>TT</strong>LE — Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said the city will repair, instead of replace, the West Seattle Bridge, a critical link between that community and the city. The city’s most used bridge has been closed to traffic for eight months, since the city found fast-spreading cracks in the structure. KING5 News reports the bridge could reopen to traffic as soon as mid-2022, according to the Seattle Department of Transportation. Repairs could add 15 to 40 years to the bridge’s lifespan and would cost about $47 million upfront, with an additional $50 million for traffic mitigation and $10 million for low bridge repair. Durkan’s decision comes after “months of careful examination of the bridge’s structural integrity, analysis of the costs and benefits of all possible options, and engagement with the communities affected by the bridge closure.” One of the key reasons to repair the bridge rather than replace it is economic recovery, which relies on mobility. Seattle Councilmember Lisa Herbold, who represents West Seattle, said she heard from her constituents that restoring safe access as quickly as possible is the priority. However, if the bridge repair doesn’t last as long as officials hope, Durkan said the city will have to replace it. That could take until 2026, and a partial replacement of the superstructure could open in the same time frame. Both options would be projected to last 75 years. 8 Military Service Valued $1,000 bonuS To TEAMS WITH security cleArAnce! HoME 100+ DAyS pER yEAR AmAzing Benefits • PAid HolidAys, PersonAl dAys & VAcAtion 2020 #1 Best Fleet to Drive For, Among Small Carriers APPLY ONLINE OR SPEAK TO A RECRUITER TODAY: 800-442-4004 DRIVEBOYLE.COM
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