FMCSA Extends Hours-of-Service Relief for Gasoline & Diesel Haulers Thru Dec 16

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a temporary hours-of-service (HOS) waiver for interstate drivers transporting gasoline and diesel fuel. Effective September 16 through December 16, 2026, the waiver provides additional flexibility amid global fuel supply disruptions and increased seasonal demand.

This relief may benefit TPGA members who transport diesel fuel in addition to propane.

Under the waiver, eligible drivers may operate under modified HOS requirements, subject to several safety conditions:

·         Driving Limit: No more than 16 hours of driving within any 24-hour period.

·         Required Rest: At least six consecutive hours in a sleeper berth or eight consecutive hours off duty without a sleeper berth.

·         Licensing: Drivers must maintain valid commercial driver's licenses and required endorsements.

·         Documentation: Drivers must carry a physical or electronic copy of the waiver.

·         Driver Safety: Drivers requesting immediate rest must receive at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before resuming driving.

The waiver also covers drivers returning empty to their terminals or normal reporting locations.

Download waiver

TPGA members hauling gasoline or diesel should review the waiver's complete requirements before operating under this temporary exemption.

OPD Relief Valve Update: Manufacturers Finalize 10-Year Notice

Cavagna, Grand Hall and SCG Co., Ltd. have finalized the notice they intend to issue November 1, 2026, concerning pressure relief devices integrated into Overfill Prevention Device (OPD) valves.

The final language specifies that the pressure relief device integrated into the OPD valve must be replaced or requalified within 10 years after the date of manufacture, under the manufacturer’s recommendation. This replaces their previously announced 10–12-year service-life recommendation.

The manufacturers’ decal, addressed to refillers and refurbishers, will state:

This manufacturer notice does not establish a new federal requirement. As outlined in TPGA’s original notice, DOT has not prescribed a service life for cylinder relief valves. The decal’s reference to CGA S-1.1 should not be confused with a DOT requirement to replace OPD relief devices based solely on age.

PERC is commissioning the UL study, with completion and analysis expected by March 2027. Results are expected to be shared with the propane industry and public.