FMCSA Issues 40-State Winter Weather HOS Waiver

FMCSA has issued a Regional Emergency Declaration providing temporary hours-of-service (HOS) relief for certain motor carriers and drivers due to severe winter storms and extreme cold impacting multiple states.

This waiver supports urgent winter emergency response while maintaining overall safety. Apply relief only to qualifying emergency operations and be sure to review the full waiver which can be found here.

Who Is Covered

Motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to emergency relief efforts in the affected states.

States Affected

AL, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY

What Relief Is Granted

Temporary relief from:

• 49 CFR § 395.3 – Property-carrying vehicle driving limits

• 49 CFR § 395.5 – Passenger-carrying vehicle driving limits

Relief applies regardless of trip origin, as long as the operation supports emergency relief in the affected states.

What Counts as Direct Assistance

Transportation or services supporting the immediate restoration of essential supplies or services during the emergency.

Does NOT include

• Routine commercial deliveries

• Mixed loads with nominal emergency supplies

• Long-term recovery or infrastructure repair after the emergency phase

Key Restrictions

• All other FMCSRs remain in effect, including CDL, drug and alcohol testing, insurance, HAZMAT, and size/weight requirements.

• Out-of-service drivers or carriers are NOT eligible until the order is officially lifted.

• When emergency assistance ends, normal HOS rules apply, with required rest breaks before resuming standard operations.

Duration

Effective January 23, 2026, through February 6, 2026, or until the emergency ends, whichever comes first. FMCSA may modify, extend, or terminate the declaration based on conditions.

For questions, follow established FMCSA and state coordination channels.

January 23, 2026 | FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a notice to motor carriers and other registered entities to update their online portal accounts to prepare for implementation of the new Motus registration and management system.

Motus is FMCSA’s modernized registration platform designed to replace legacy USDOT and Unified Registration System programs. It is a single online portal where regulated companies manage federal registration records connected to safety, authority, and compliance monitoring.

According to the agency, Motus will streamline processes, enhance fraud prevention, and provide a more intuitive, user-friendly experience for supporting companies, motor carriers, brokers, and other registrants. The new system does not add new permits or licenses or any additional regulatory requirements, however.

The FMCSA notice advises taking the following steps to ensure your company is properly registered:

1. Ensure FMCSA Portal account is active.

Log in to your Portal account to confirm it is active. If you don’t have an account, create one now. This critical action will allow you to quickly and easily claim your existing USDOT Number and create your company account in Motus when it launches to all users later this year.

2. Verify Portal account user list.

View and confirm users with access to your FMCSA Portal account in the “Account Management” tab. Ensure that the listed Company Official is the company owner or employee responsible for managing/updating FMCSA registration. This should not be a transportation service provider or outside consultant. The Login.gov email for the Company Official in the FMCSA Portal must match the Login.gov email used to log into Motus to link your USDOT Number with your new Motus account.

3. Update company information.

Submit biennial update data to your third party administrator or direct in the Portal to ensure that the most up-to-date information is on file for your business. Unsure what data is required? Contact sales@leetrans.com to discuss how our Licensing & Permitting team helps ensure Regulatory Fleet Accounts meet federal requirements beyond Motus.

Additional information on the FMCSA registration modernization program is available here.

FMCSA Issues 40-State Emergency Declaration for Winter Storm

January 25, 2026 | FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a Regional Emergency Declaration for 40 States and the District of Columbia in response to severe winter storms and cold temperatures substantially below normal.

The Emergency Declaration provides relief from the daily and weekly driving hours limits in 49 CFR § 395.3 for property-carrying vehicles.  The hours of service relief is not specific to the transportation of any particular products—it applies to any motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts involving transportation and other relief services incident to the immediate restoration of essential supplies or services in the Affected States.

The Affected States are Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

When the driver is no longer providing direct assistance to emergency relief efforts related to the emergency, the motor carrier and driver are subject to the requirements of 49 CFR § 395.3 while operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce, except that a driver may return empty to the motor carrier’s terminal or the driver’s normal work reporting location without complying with § 395.3 and 395.5. When a driver is moving from emergency relief efforts to normal operations, a 10-hour break is required when the total time a driver is engaged in emergency relief efforts, or in a combination of emergency relief and normal operations, equals or exceeds 14 hours.

The Emergency Declaration is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until the end of the emergency or until 11:59 P.M. (ET), February 6, 2026, whichever is earlier.

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to service continue to inspire generations.

Dr. King reminded us that progress is built through integrity, compassion, and a shared responsibility to care for one another. His message — rooted in unity, dignity, and hope — still resonates today, encouraging each of us to contribute to a better, more just future through our actions.

As we reflect on his impact, we’re reminded that meaningful change happens when people come together, lift one another up, and keep moving forward — even when the road is challenging.

#BeTheLight

Happy New Year!

As we turn the page to a new year, I’ve been reflecting on the meaningful momentum created across our business community throughout 2025. This past year reaffirmed something fundamental about our industry: when people are committed to doing things the right way—consistently, thoughtfully, and intentionally—progress follows. We’ve seen that firsthand in the organizations we are privileged to support. Whether you rely on us as a client, collaborate with us as a service provider, or engage with us through our referral network, your trust is the foundation of the work we do.

The year ahead brings no shortage of change. With regulatory updates on the horizon—ranging from safety requirements to licensing and operational oversight—clarity, preparation, and intentional decision-making will matter more than ever. At Lee Trans, we are already monitoring these developments and translating them into practical, forward-looking guidance so the businesses we serve are positioned not only to stay compliant, but to stay ahead. Our vision is to help shape a safer, smarter, and more resilient transportation industry—one where integrity is non-negotiable and compliance becomes a true strategic advantage.

I also want to acknowledge the exceptional individuals who make up the Lee Trans team. Their expertise, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to doing the right thing—especially when no one is watching—allow us to deliver the level of support our clients and collaborators have come to expect. Their work reflects our shared belief that integrity must guide every decision, and that intentional action is essential to achieving meaningful, long-term success.

As we begin a new year, I hope each of you finds a moment to pause, recharge, and reconnect with what fuels your purpose. The transportation industry moves America forward, but the individuals behind the wheel—and behind the operations—deserve space to rest and reset. Sustainable growth, for organizations and individuals alike, requires both effort and intention.

To our clients, providers, friends, and the broader community that interacts with us in any way: thank you. Your collaboration, candor, and confidence in us are deeply appreciated. We look forward to walking alongside you in 2026—supporting your goals, strengthening your operations, and contributing to an industry that continues to evolve with resilience and optimism.

Wishing you a safe, prosperous, and inspiring New Year.

Warm regards,Jackie Polk, CTP

President

A big THANK YOU to 7Brew for our coffee delivery earlier this week. The caffeine was a much needed pick me up for our teams getting back into the groove with the new year!

Please join us in celebrating some of our employee milestones this month! Thank you all for your dedication to service and commitment to excellence. We are proud to have you on the team!

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time to recognize the role awareness plays in protecting vulnerable individuals and strengthening our communities. The transportation industry has a unique opportunity to help identify and report suspicious activity, making education and vigilance especially important.

On January 11, we observe Wear Blue Day to show solidarity with survivors and to reinforce our collective commitment to awareness, prevention, and action. Small steps — staying informed, paying attention, and knowing how to report concerns — can make a meaningful difference.

At Lee Trans, we are honored to support the mission of Truckers Against Trafficking, an organization dedicated to equipping industry professionals with the tools and training needed to help combat human trafficking. This month serves as a reminder that safety and service extend far beyond compliance — they are part of caring for people and communities.

To learn more, visit www.tatnonprofit.org.