NPGA Requests Special Hours-of-Service Exemption to Help Deliver Propane During Emergencies
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has formally applied to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for a special exemption to hours-of-service (HOS) regulations during the cold-weather months. Published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2025, the application aims to support propane delivery efforts when demand spikes and conditions become more challenging.
Why the Exemption Is Needed
NPGA cites the winter of 2024–2025 as the most disruptive in over a decade. Record-breaking cold snaps, polar vortexes, ice storms, and heavy winter weather across large parts of the U.S. between January and late March strained propane supply and delivery networks. To strengthen preparedness and response during such emergencies, NPGA seeks relief from key HOS constraints from December 15 to March 15 each year.
Requested Changes
NPGA asks for a five-year exemption for its member companies to temporarily waive the following HOS limits:
• Daily driving time extended to 12 hours (up from the current 11 hours)
• Daily on‑duty time raised to 15 hours (from 14 hours)
• Weekly limits removed (drivers would be allowed to exceed the standard 60-70 hours over 7-8 days)
• Restart period reduced to 24 hours, replacing the current minimum 34-hour restart after six consecutive work days
NPGA will notify FMCSA prior to implementing the exemption and keep records demonstrating the presence of a qualifying winter emergency.
Safety and Oversight
To maintain safety, NPGA commits to:
• Requiring drivers to complete a Fatigue and Wellness course provided by PERC
• Strict recordkeeping in line with FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 390.29, 390.31, 395.8)
• Ensuring each participating driver or vehicle is specifically documented before using the exemption annually
This framework mirrors prior HOS waivers granted to other industries during emergencies.
What Happens Next
• Public feedback: FMCSA is accepting comments on the application until July 31, 2025. Stakeholders may submit their views via regulations.gov under docket FMCSA‑2025‑0125.
• Final decision: FMCSA will assess safety impacts, member feedback, and existing regulatory precedents before approving or denying the request.
• Duration: If approved, the waiver would apply each winter for up to five years, subject to annual reactivation by NPGA and potential renewal.
Why It Matters
Propane deliveries are often vital during cold weather emergencies – for heating homes, medical facilities, farms, and more. Standard HOS limits can slow or halt delivery operations just when speed and flexibility are essential. NPGA’s request is designed to ensure:
• Faster response times during cold snaps, storms, and supply interruptions
• Preemptive resource alignment, as companies can plan for emergencies in advance
• Safety assurance, given required driver training and documentation
The outcome will significantly impact the propane industry’s ability to maintain service continuity during winter crises.
How You Can Stay Involved
• Let Your Voice Be Heard: Submit comments on the docket by July 31, 2025, at FMCSA-2025-0125.
• Engage with NPGA: Visit their website for details or contact them about the request and pending decision.
• Track FMCSA updates: The agency will publish their determination – approval or denial – along with full reasoning in the Federal Register.
• Bottom Line: This pending exemption could give propane providers essential flexibility during winter emergencies – but only if FMCSA concludes it won’t compromise safety. Stakeholders are urged to review the docket and share perspectives before the July 31 deadline.
Information for this article was provided by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA).
