Fertilizer drivers exempted from HOS restrictions

Commercial drivers transporting fertilizer and feed are now exempt from hours-of-service (HOS) regulations, enabling distributors to fulfill shipments to farmers preparing to plant this season's crop.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) yesterday broadened its 13 May emergency declaration to include fertilizer drivers after originally exempting commercial truck drivers shipping medical supplies and additional relief needed to combat the coronavirus virus.

Prior to receiving the FMCSA's update transporters of agricultural commodities and supplies, including fertilizers, were not required to comply with hours of services (HOS) guidelines if operating within a 150-air mile radius from the origin of loading, but would have become applicable when servicing orders beyond the 150-air mile radius threshold, according to FMCSA.

Industry advocacy group The Fertilizer Industry last week urged the FMCSA expand its declaration, and even successfully lobbied for fertilizer participants throughout the supply chain to be designated as essential critical infrastructure workers by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The various federal exemptions and designations come as farmers throughout the US are preparing within the next several weeks to plant this season's crops, which are anticipated to require more fertilizer than last season.

By Connor Hyde