A major winter storm hit most of the U.S. this weekend, bringing significant snowfall along with extreme cold and wind chills in the negative degrees. The cold is expected to linger with no significant thaw anticipated in the near term. While storm impacts may vary, it is important that heating fuel and home comfort businesses prepare for any outcome.
 

Hours-of-Service Relief Currently in Effect
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) has issued a Regional Declaration of Emergency covering interstate transportation of essential goods and services, including all fuels - gasoline, kerosene, diesel, jet fuel, diesel additives, heating fuels, and propane. The federal waiver including complete details of the FMCSA Regional Declaration of Emergency can be found here.

The Emergency Declaration is in effect in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.

Please note: this waiver is in addition to the FMCSA Waiver issued last week, which extended its Northeast Regional Emergency Declaration granting hours of service relief for commercial motor vehicle drivers providing regulatory relief from 49 CFR § 395.3, maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles transporting heating fuel including propane, natural gas, and heating oil. The hours-of-service relief is now in effect through February 15, 2026.

Several states have also reinstated, expanded, or extended their intrastate HOS waivers. For complete details visit NEFI's updated HOS Waiver Archive here.

Reminder: Even under emergency HOS waivers, motor carriers cannot require or allow fatigued or ill drivers to operate commercial motor vehicles. Drivers requesting rest must be given at least 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers should keep copies of applicable federal and state waivers in their vehicles.

For questions regarding hours-of-service waivers, contact NEFI Regulatory Counsel Rick Schweitzer at (202) 223-3040 or rpschweitzer@rpslegal.com.
 

Stream our Mid-Winter Weather Forecast Webinar
NEFI members who missed the mid-winter weather forecast webinar on January 21, 2026, can now view the archived webinar. To access the webinar:

1. Go to www.nefi.com

2. Click "Member Login"

3. Enter your username and password

4. Click "NEFI Webinars"

5. Select "2026 Late Winter/Spring Weather Webinar"
    

NEFI Weather Services Portal
NEFI members have access to weather services from BAM Weather Services, including 10-day rolling forecasts, real-time and historical degree-day data for more than 200 weather stations, weekly weather discussions, and disruptive event alerts. Access the weather portal through the NEFI Members Area under "BAM Weather Services."

If you are a NEFI member and have not yet subscribed to our FREE weather service, you can sign-up through the member portal or by emailing membercom@nefi.com.
 

Report Supply or Logistical Issues

NEFI remains in frequent communications with regional and state associations, fuel suppliers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to coordinate efforts and share information as conditions develop. If you experience or become aware of supply shortages, terminal issues, delivery backlogs, or other logistical challenges, please report to NEFI and your state associations so this information can be shared with appropriate parties and assist in advocating for additional relief if warranted. Please share any important information with Jim Collura, NEFI President & CEO, at jim.collura@nefi.com or call (617) 924-1000.