Truckers Get Emergency Pass to Ignore Driving Hour Limits
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Notice
Summary
Hulcher Services, Inc. wants special permission to let their drivers work extra hours during railroad emergencies, even if it breaks the usual driving time rules. This change affects Hulcher’s drivers who handle urgent railroad problems and could help them respond faster when emergencies pop up outside normal shifts. The public can share their thoughts by January 16, 2026, before a decision is made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Exemption to exceed HOS for Hulcher drivers
If you are a Hulcher driver, Hulcher has asked FMCSA for permission to let its roughly 350 driver employees operate beyond the hours-of-service limits in 49 CFR part 395 (including the 14-consecutive-hour driving window and the 60/70-hour weekly on‑duty limits) when dispatched to respond to railroad emergencies. The company requests this relief for drivers responding to requests to clear disabled or derailed trains, debris, or hazards that block railroad rights-of-way.
Faster railroad emergency responses
Hulcher says the exemption would let its teams transport heavy recovery equipment (side-booms, grapple trucks, rollbacks, service trucks, and other CMVs) to clear derailments and hazards that occur outside normal hours or in remote areas, enabling quicker restoration of rail operations. The company argues that without the exemption drivers may be unable to move equipment because they have exceeded the 14-hour window or weekly limits.
Company fatigue controls pledged
Hulcher states it will use several fatigue-mitigation measures if the exemption is granted, including a documented fatigue management policy, minimum one-hour lead time before mobilization, pre-dispatch verbal readiness checks and vehicle inspections by field supervisors, and authorization for drivers to decline assignments if fatigued. Hulcher also says drivers record incident-site time as on-duty not driving time and that no driver will operate a CMV after field work until the required 10- or 34-hour off-duty rest has been satisfied.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08144 — Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-11488 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is giving 14 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders a green light to drive commercial trucks across state lines while on medication. These special permissions started on April 6, 2026, and last until April 6, 2028, helping skilled drivers keep rolling safely. This move shows trust in medical progress and opens doors for qualified drivers who once faced strict limits.
2026-11491 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is considering requests from 11 people who are hard of hearing or deaf to be allowed to drive big trucks across state lines without meeting the usual hearing rules. If approved, these folks can work as commercial drivers, opening new job chances. You’ve got until July 9, 2026, to share your thoughts, and this could change who gets behind the wheel and when.
2026-11487 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 28 hard of hearing and deaf truck drivers, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines. This means these drivers can continue working without changing the hearing rules for everyone else. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until July 9, 2026, to speak up—no extra costs or changes for most folks!
2026-11489 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 38 hard of hearing or deaf drivers, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines despite the usual hearing rules. These renewals keep things rolling safely without extra costs or delays. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by July 9, 2026!
2026-11059 — Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Truck-Lite Co. LLC
Truck-Lite Co. LLC got the green light to let trucks use special flashing amber brake lights along with the regular steady ones for the next five years. This change aims to keep trucks just as safe, if not safer, on the road. Truck drivers and companies can start using these new lights from May 29, 2026, through June 3, 2031, with no extra costs announced.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23062 — Notice of Public Meeting in Preparation for International Maritime Organization SDC 12
The Department of State is hosting a public meeting on January 12, 2026, to get ready for an important international ship safety and design event happening later that month. Shipbuilders, operators, and safety fans should tune in to learn about updates on ship fire safety, new engine rules, and greener shipping goals. The meeting is free, open to 500 virtual guests or in-person attendees, but you need to RSVP by January 7 to join.
Next: 2025-23064 — Product Change-Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements
The Postal Service is rolling out new special shipping deals for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage. These deals, called Negotiated Service Agreements, offer businesses tailored shipping options starting December 2025. If you ship a lot, these changes could save you money and speed up deliveries!