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07/02/2020
Coronavirus and the nation’s response to the emergency are rapidly changing the day-to-day realities of fleet-based businesses in the United States. While several states are enforcing stay-at-home rules, transportation, field service, utility workers, energy workers and many other fleet-based businesses have been deemed essential services and continue to operate, albeit in a vastly altered landscape.
The transportation industry is facing extreme challenges. Supply chain disruptions and nationwide emergency delivery needs are causing fleet managers, dispatchers and drivers to work longer hours, while hauling in other areas, such as restaurant supply and equipment for live events, has ceased. drivers are struggling to protect their health while out on the road.
According to Nick Beck, Owner of Beck Trucking, trucking companies are already doing their best to meet increased demand across the country
On both sides, inbound and outbound, we’re definitely trying to help out; a few customers have asked us to help supply grocery chains. They have had an influx of grocery store loads that they need assistance with, including around 600 loads earlier this week. We’ve been able to pull resources from what we normally do to assist in keeping the grocery stores full.
Keeping track of up-to-date information is critical for fleet managers and drivers. As a company dedicated to serving fleet-based businesses, Verizon Connect will update this space frequently to provide industry updates and resources managers can use to make informed decisions.
The events of the past few weeks have emphasized why we do what we do: deliver the solutions, services, and expertise that help keep drivers safe, and drive efficiencies and productivity for fleet-based businesses,” said Verizon Connect President Andrés Irlando
Landmark rule announced by FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on May 14 published a long-awaited final rule updating hours-of-service (HOS) rules for commercial motor vehicle drivers that offer the industry more flexibility.
The new rule addresses long standing key concerns of the industry including:
- The 30-minute break rule
- Sleeper-birth rules
- Changes to adverse driving conditions exceptions
- Changes to short-haul exception
Read all about the rule change on FMCSA website.
Relaxed hours of service: What trucking companies and drivers need to know
As of April 9, 2020, the FMCSA has extended its Emergency Declaration providing HOS and other regulatory relief to commercial vehicle drivers transporting emergency relief in response to the nationwide COVID-19 outbreak another five weeks, through May 15. The declaration was also further expanded to cover liquefied gases to be used in refrigeration or cooling systems.
According to the FMCSA, none of the HOS regulations apply “while the driver is engaged with providing direct assistance under the emergency relief exemption.” This means that drivers are not required to take 30-minute breaks and the regular 34-hour restart is not required. To help ensure safety, “once a driver has completed his or her delivery, the driver must receive a minimum of 10 hours off duty if transporting property, and 8 hours if transporting passengers.” Read more about the options provided by FMCSA on ELD devices.
Critical business concerns for fleets
How can businesses run efficient fleets in these pressing times? What are the practical steps to take care of your drivers' health? Watch the following webinars to hear from industry experts and editors of major industry publications including, Automotive Fleet, Heavy Duty Trucking and Government Fleet.
The times are challenging for both businesses and the customers. As the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, it calls for businesses to think differently. Though landscapers are deemed an essential service, they like other services, are not immune to the unpredictable market conditions in the times to come. The Harvest Landscape Consulting Group got its experts together to help landscaping businesses make sense of the current situation and plan for the future.
Watch now: Running a Landscaping Business During the Time of
COVID-19
More industry updates
On March 13, the FMCSA issued a national emergency declaration to provide HOS relief to commercial vehicle drivers transporting necessary goods in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. These goods include food, raw materials, medical supplies, paper products and the supplies/equipment necessary for sanitization and community safety—including those items that have been in the highest demand around the country such as water and hand sanitizer.
We will continue to update this post as latest news and resources are identified.
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