FMCSA Renews Nationwide HOS Break Exemption for Oversize & Overweight Carriers Through 2030

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has just made a major decision that directly impacts the heavy-haul and specialized transport industry. One of the most talked-about regulatory updates right now is the renewal of a nationwide Hours-of-Service (HOS) exemption for oversize and overweight (OS/OW) carriers, extending it through June 17, 2030.

For carriers moving permitted loads, this is a significant win — and one that addresses long-standing safety and logistical concerns unique to heavy haul.

What Changed?

FMCSA has renewed a five-year exemption allowing specialized carriers hauling permitted oversize or overweight loads to skip the standard 30-minute rest break requirement under HOS rules.

This exemption applies to:

Interstate movements

Loads that exceed legal weight or dimensions

Shipments that require a government-issued oversize/overweight permit

All other HOS rules still apply — the exemption only removes the rigid requirement for a 30-minute off-duty break after eight hours of driving.

Why This Matters to Heavy Haulers

Industry organizations like the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) pushed hard for this renewal, and for good reason.

The traditional 30-minute break rule often forced OS/OW drivers into unsafe situations, including:

Stopping on narrow shoulders

Parking on ramps or rural roads

Blocking access points due to limited space

Stopping in areas that can’t physically accommodate large or long loads

Unlike standard tractor-trailers, oversize and superload combinations cannot simply pull into most truck stops or rest areas. FMCSA acknowledged that the rule, while well-intentioned, created unique safety risks for specialized carriers.

Allowing flexibility in when and where breaks occur reduces the need for risky roadside stops — ultimately improving safety for drivers and the public.

What This Means on the Ground

For carriers running permitted OS/OW loads, this exemption provides operational flexibility where it matters most.

You can now:

Plan stops around safe staging areas

Coordinate breaks with escort vehicles

Align driving time with daylight, curfews, and permit restrictions

Reduce pressure to stop simply to satisfy a clock

Drivers must still remain compliant with overall HOS limits, but they’re no longer forced into unsafe parking situations just to meet the 30-minute rule.

Impact on Shippers and Brokers

Shippers and brokers working in heavy haul should expect carriers to factor this exemption into route planning and scheduling discussions, especially on:

Multi-state permitted moves

Superloads with complex escort requirements

Loads subject to daylight-only or curfew restrictions

This added flexibility can help improve efficiency, reduce delays, and enhance safety — all critical factors in successful heavy-haul logistics.

Bottom Line

The renewal of this HOS break exemption through 2030 is a meaningful acknowledgment by FMCSA that heavy haul is different. Oversize and overweight moves come with challenges that standard regulations don’t always account for.

By allowing specialized carriers more control over when and where breaks occur, FMCSA has taken a step toward safer, more practical regulations for the industry.

If you’re involved in heavy haul — whether as a carrier, shipper, or broker — this is a change worth understanding and leveraging as you plan future moves.