Two Carriers Seek 5-Year HOS Relief; FMCSA Exemptions Spark Debate

Two private trucking companies—Lone Star Haz Mat and Mainline Services LLC—have simultaneously filed applications with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) seeking five-year exemptions from Hours of Service (HOS) rules. Lone Star seeks relief for field response drivers handling hazardous materials incidents, while Mainline requests exemption for employees operating railroad derailment cleanup equipment during emergency operations. Both applications were published in the Federal Register on June 30, with comment periods extending through July 30. The dual filing has triggered significant pushback from safety consultants and industry watchdogs.

Michael Millard, president of AWM Associates consulting firm, submitted critical comments on both applications, arguing that Lone Star may be seeking regulatory relief to circumvent contractual obligations, and that granting Mainline's request would create unfair competitive advantages. He cited Lone Star's higher-than-average out-of-service citations and suggested alternative compliance methods using non-commercial motor vehicles. In contrast, an anonymous commenter supported Mainline's request, emphasizing the critical nature of rapid derailment response for interstate commerce and public safety. These applications arrive amid a broader landscape of HOS exemptions.

FMCSA currently maintains ten active exemptions for entities ranging from major carriers like UPS to specialized industry associations such as the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (whose exemption extends to 2030). The distinction between exemptions (typically 4-5 years) and waivers (shorter duration) is critical for supply chain professionals: exemptions represent structural changes to operational compliance, while waivers address temporary emergencies. The outcome of these applications could reshape competitive dynamics in emergency response and specialized freight sectors.