FMCSA Grants Extension
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended an hours-of-service (HOS) waiver for commercial truck drivers assisting with wildfire response in Oregon.
The waiver, originally issued under a declaration by Gov. Tina Kotek, was set to expire on August 30. However, with emergency conditions ongoing, Oregon requested another extension on August 24. FMCSA approved the request, pushing the waiver’s expiration to September 30.
What the Waiver Covers
The relief exempts drivers from certain provisions of 49 CFR 395.3 and 395.5, which regulate maximum driving hours and mandatory rest periods. The exemption applies to any carrier or driver providing direct assistance to wildfire response in Oregon, regardless of where their trip originates.
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However, FMCSA clarified that the waiver does not apply to:
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Routine commercial deliveries.
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Loads that include only a small amount of emergency relief cargo added to qualify for the waiver.
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Long-term recovery work after immediate threats to life and property have passed.
The agency emphasized that the relief is specifically designed to support urgent wildfire operations, not to provide a loophole for unrelated freight activity.
Importance for Oregon’s Response
Oregon’s wildfires have strained logistics networks, requiring rapid movement of supplies such as water, fuel, equipment, and protective gear. By easing HOS restrictions, FMCSA enables drivers to stay on the road longer when delivering critical resources, reducing delays during emergency response efforts.
State officials noted that without the waiver, the risk of supply chain bottlenecks could grow, slowing firefighting operations and increasing risks for affected communities.
Cargo Theft Risks Rise Over Labor Day Weekend
Escalating Criminal Activity
As Oregon and other states battle wildfires, trucking companies nationwide face another challenge: rising cargo theft over the Labor Day weekend. According to data from Verisk CargoNet, theft activity during the holiday has more than doubled since 2020, making it one of the most dangerous times of year for freight.
“Labor Day weekend has become a prime hunting ground for cargo thieves,” said Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at CargoNet.
The Numbers Behind the Trend
CargoNet analyzed 214 theft events reported between the Thursday before and the Wednesday after Labor Day over the past five years. The data revealed:
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Friday is the riskiest day, with 45 thefts recorded during that period.
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2024’s Friday before Labor Day set a record with 16 theft incidents in a single day.
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Theft activity overall continues to escalate, reflecting both higher freight volumes and increased criminal organization.
Implications for Carriers
For trucking companies and drivers, the convergence of wildfire relief operations and elevated theft risks makes vigilance critical. Experts recommend enhanced cargo security, monitoring high-risk zones, and ensuring drivers avoid leaving unattended trailers in unsecured areas during the holiday weekend.
With FMCSA’s waiver in place, Oregon responders have added flexibility to deliver emergency aid. But with theft risks climbing nationwide, carriers are urged to balance speed with security in order to protect both relief supplies and commercial freight.
