FMCSA issues statement on COVID-19 movement restrictions

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued guidance to help keep truck drivers, warehouse workers and others involved in the transportation of goods safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Burl Jantzen | iStockPhoto.com
Burl Jantzen | iStockPhoto.com

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued guidance to help keep truck drivers, warehouse workers and others involved in the transportation of goods safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“States, localities, and territories may wish to consider the following when implementing any quarantine, movement, and/or screening requirements that impact freight and passenger transportation by commercial motor vehicles,” the guidance said.

“These suggestions draw on lessons learned from State, local, and territorial actions to date, as well as Federal guidance recommending unrestricted movement and access for critical infrastructure workers. “

The agency asked governing bodies considering the implementation of any quarantine or travel restrictions to remember that truck drivers have been identified as essential workers by the Department of Homeland Security.

Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the delivery of needed supplies to New York City and other hotspots for COVID-19 should also be consulted by governing officials, the agency noted. The CDC recommended that truck drivers:

  • Stay in their vehicles as much as possible when supplies are loaded and unloaded.
  • Move to electronic receipts when possible.
  • Maintain a distance of six feet from others when exiting their vehicles.
  • If they need to spend the night in a hotspot area, stay in their hotel room or sleeper cab to the extent possible.

Long-haul drivers may be on the road for days or weeks at a time, FMCSA said. However, drivers who follow these precautions will not need to self-quarantine when leaving New York City or other hotspots, unless required by state or local officials in the area where they live.

View our continuing coverage of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.

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