We've compiled a list of key considerations in evaluating the in evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on commercial auto claims – both directly related to COVID-19 infection and indirect impacts from economic and societal changes.
- Regulatory Changes - The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued an Emergency Declaration granting exemptions from Parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to COVID-19 relief with the transportation of essential foods, supplies, equipment, or persons. This Emergency Declaration is effective through May 15, 2020. This is the first time in history there has been a nationwide suspension of trucking safety regulations. Some jurisdictions have different standards for different diseases.
- Hours-of-Service Under normal HOS rules, a driver may drive up to 11 hours in any 14-hour period and up to a maximum of 8 hours consecutively before stopping for a 30 minute break. These drive-time limits have been suspended as long as the driver is making an essential delivery for COVID-19 relief.
- Driver Qualifications Many State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLA) have reduced employee capacity or have closed offices in response to the CDC’s social distancing guidelines, resulting in delays in processing Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) credentials. As such, the FMCSA has issued a three-month waiver which relaxes the operating conditions and requirements for Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) holders as well as the driver training requirement for out-of-state CDL applicants. Additionally, expiring CDLs have been granted extensions on the renewal.
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