# The FMCSA is being flooded with exemption requests – and it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
What happened
Over the past month, at least 12 major carriers and several third‑party logistics firms have filed formal requests with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to loosen the 13‑hour on‑duty limit and 14‑hour break rule. The companies argue that “operational constraints” and “driver shortages” force them to seek a 30‑day exemption that would let drivers stay on the road up to 18 hours without a mandatory 10‑hour off‑duty period. The requests are being reviewed under the agency’s HOS exemption program that was meant for rare, documented emergencies.
Why it matters for dispatchers/drivers
If FMCSA grants these waivers, dispatchers will feel pressure to pack more loads into each run, and drivers will be forced to stretch beyond the safe limits they’ve fought hard to protect. Fatigue is the #1 factor in 19% of large‑truck crashes (NTSB 2025). Extending on‑duty time from 13 to 18 hours raises the risk of microsleeps dramatically – a study from the University of Michigan shows a 45% jump in reaction‑time lapses after the 14‑hour mark. For dispatchers, a single fatigue‑related accident can cost $250,000 in liability, insurance spikes, and lost contracts.
My take
This is a classic case of “profit over people.” The FMCSA is bowing to industry lobbyists while truckers are left to foot the bill in lives and health. No exemption is worth turning a driver into a walking hazard. The only sensible answer is a hard‑no from regulators and a united front from us on the road. – Ekjot Singh
What you should do
- **Log every hour** and challenge any dispatcher who asks you to ignore the 13‑hour rule.
- Join or support OOIDA’s petition demanding a moratorium on new HOS exemptions.
- Enroll in EK Dispatch Academy’s **HOS compliance module** to learn how to protect your crew and keep your carrier out of legal trouble.