FMCSA Issues Third Extension of Key Bridge Emergency Declaration.

June 21, 2024

FMCSA has issued a third extension of the emergency declaration that extends the maximum amount of drive time and exempts certain motor carriers from the electronic logging device requirement due to the Key Bridge Collapse. This was set to expire on June 22, but is being extended until July 6, 2024. FMCSA specifically granted this at the request of MMTA based on data our members gave us showing the loads they will still need to pick up in Virginia over the next few weeks even though the Port of Baltimore is reopened.

As a reminder, the declaration:

Gives an additional 2 hours of drive time for certain deliveries noted below. Drivers are still subject to the maximum allowed on-duty time. For example, the exemption allows 13 hours of driving in a 14 hour on-duty window.
Allows an exception for drivers who do not already have an electronic logging device from having to use an ELD. Drivers using this exception will need to keep a paper log while operating under the waiver.

The declaration applies to:

Transportation related to the immediate restoration of essential services at the Port of Baltimore.
Transportation of commodities re-routed to another port due to the disruptions to vessel traffic into the Port of Baltimore.
Transportation of fuel (gasoline, ethanol, propane, natural gas, and heating oil) from Maryland’s Curtis Bay terminal (within the Baltimore Marine Terminal area) for delivery to the following locations within Maryland: Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Queen Anne’s County, and Washington County.

A copy of the extension is available at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2024-06/ESC-Maryland - Third Continuation of Extension of Emergency Declaration 062024.pdf.

It is not expected that this will be extended again. Motor carriers should plan accordingly. You can monitor FMCSA's actions related to the Key Bridge at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/FSK.