top of page
Search

Freight Pulse & Law Update: FMCSA Doubles Emergency HOS Relief to 30 Days as 31 States Ease Dyed-Diesel Penalties (Nov. 1, 2026)

Writer: Lanta LLC
Lanta LLC
1 day ago
2 min read

What does FMCSA’s 30-day emergency HOS rule change?

FMCSA’s final rule, effective October 5, extends automatic HOS relief after a qualifying regional emergency declaration from 14 days to 30. It covers only emergency-response hauling, not regular freight moving through an affected area.

  • It amends 49 CFR 390.23(b), responding to petitions on the agency’s October 2023 rule.

  • Only direct-assistance vehicles qualify; relief covers HOS limits in 49 CFR 395.3 and 395.5.

  • Reconsideration petitions under docket FMCSA-2025-0124 must reach the Administrator by November 4.

What should carriers know about dyed-diesel relief?

Federal relief runs October 1 through December 31, 2026, but it does not make dyed diesel universally legal. USDA says 31 states have taken or announced related measures, and state coverage varies.

  • IRS guidance IR-2026-122 and IR-2026-125 covers enforcement, penalties and reporting for fuel taxed at 24.4 cents per gallon.

  • USDA estimates combined relief could exceed $640 million. AAA put diesel at $6.32 on October 30.

  • Check each state’s order: some cover only agricultural hauling. IFTA reporting still applies; broad relief needs all 58 member jurisdictions to act.

  • Run dyed fuel out before January 1 to reduce citation risk.

Dyed diesel fuel being poured, in a USDA announcement about state relief measures

How can Mid-Atlantic shippers adapt to shifting fuel rules?

Fuel swings and state-by-state compliance complicate routing and inventory planning. Lanta Logistics supports Mid-Atlantic fulfillment from its Glen Burnie warehouse, minutes from I-95, I-695 and the Port of Baltimore’s Seagirt Marine Terminal.

Lanta Logistics Glen Burnie facility

  • Explore Lanta’s logistics services with real-time visibility for inventory and freight.

  • For 3PL Maryland operations, compare third party logistics providers on compliance support and 3PL fulfillment services.

What is FlowOps by Lanta?

FlowOps by Lanta is an operator-built warehouse management system from an operating 3PL: real-time visibility, unlimited SKUs, 20+ modules, patent-pending Agentic AI, from $99 per month.

FlowOps by Lanta dashboard screenshot showing inventory and activity visibility
 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page