FMCSA HOS Exemption Requests Draw Safety Opposition Ahead of August 31 Deadline

Several specialized carriers are asking FMCSA for relief from federal hours-of-service or vehicle-marking requirements, and public comments show substantial opposition from truckers and safety organizations. Land Line Media reported August 20 that applications from Colorado Huntsman Transport, CCS Transportation and Precision Fireworks have generated concerns about fatigue, enforcement consistency and whether applicants demonstrated an equivalent level of safety.

The requests are different. Colorado Huntsman proposed a 10-day-on, 10-day-off schedule with no more than seven driving hours per day and relief from prominent vehicle markings. CCS wants short public-road movements between facilities 1.3 miles apart to count as yard moves on electronic logs. Their comment periods ended August 17. Precision Fireworks seeks limited relief from the 14-hour window for about five hazmat-endorsed drivers moving professional fireworks from June 28 through July 8 during each of the next five years.

The official Federal Register notice confirms that comments on the Precision request remain open through August 31 under docket FMCSA-2026-1520. If granted, the drivers would still face the 11-hour driving limit and the 60- and 70-hour on-duty limits, and could not drive after accumulating 14 hours on duty following 10 consecutive hours off. FMCSA has not approved the application; it must review the safety analysis and public record before granting or denying it.

For carriers and CDL drivers, an application does not change today's rules. Continue logging time under the existing requirements unless a published exemption specifically covers the operation, driver and dates involved. Anyone commenting should address measurable safety equivalence, fatigue controls, enforcement clarity and the exact operational need. Exemptions are narrow legal tools, not general permission to reinterpret the hours-of-service regulations.