The Trump administration has enacted a temporary policy change aimed at stabilizing fuel supply chains during a period of economic pressure. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed on Wednesday that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will grant a 90-day waiver to truck drivers responsible for transporting gasoline and diesel. Under these new guidelines, drivers are permitted to operate for up to 16 hours per shift, an increase from the standard federal limits designed to prevent driver fatigue.

This administrative action comes as fuel prices remain high, a trend officials attribute to the ongoing war involving Iran. By allowing for longer driving hours, the administration aims to increase the volume of fuel reaching distribution centers and gas stations more rapidly. While the policy is framed as a necessary step to mitigate supply chain bottlenecks and keep costs down for consumers, it represents a departure from standard safety regulations. The waiver is strictly limited to those hauling fuel and does not apply to the broader trucking industry. The administration has not yet provided details on what specific safety monitoring, if any, will be implemented to mitigate the risks associated with the extended driving hours for these specific operators.