FMCSA Issues Winter Storm Emergency Declaration; Governor Shapiro Proclaims Disaster Emergency
As winter storm conditions impact Pennsylvania and much of the region, both the federal government and the Commonwealth have issued emergency declarations intended to support response efforts and ensure the safe movement of essential supplies and services.
PMTA encourages members to review the latest federal and state actions and to continue monitoring PennDOT winter travel restrictions, which may limit commercial vehicle operations during severe winter events.
FMCSA Regional Emergency Declaration (No. 2026-001)
On January 22, 2026, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a Regional Emergency Declaration pursuant to 49 CFR § 390.23, in response to severe winter storms and unusually cold temperatures affecting multiple states, including Pennsylvania.
The declaration provides temporary relief from federal hours-of-service (HOS) limits for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts—such as transporting essential supplies or supporting the restoration of essential services.
This includes relief from:
- 49 CFR § 395.3 (maximum driving time: property-carrying vehicles)
- 49 CFR § 395.5 (maximum driving time: passenger-carrying vehicles)
Effective period: The declaration is effective immediately and remains in effect until the end of the emergency or 11:59 PM (ET), February 5, 2026, whichever occurs first.
FMCSA also clarifies that emergency relief is limited to carriers providing direct assistance and does not apply to routine commercial deliveries or general freight operations that are not tied to emergency response.
FMCSA’s full declaration is available here:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/esc-msc-ssc-wsc-regional-emergency-declaration-no-2026-001-01-22-2026
Governor Shapiro Proclaims Statewide Disaster Emergency
On January 23, 2026, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency related to the January winter storm.
The proclamation declares a statewide disaster emergency and authorizes the Commonwealth to coordinate response activities through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). It also provides authority for agencies to mobilize resources, coordinate emergency operations, and support transportation readiness and public safety efforts as conditions evolve.
The Governor’s proclamation can be viewed here:
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/pema/documents/governor-proclamations/2026.1.23%20proclamation%20of%20disaster%20emergency%20january%202026%20winter%20storm.pdf
Important Reminder: PennDOT Winter Travel Restrictions Still Apply
PMTA reminds members that FMCSA hours-of-service relief does not override PennDOT winter weather travel restrictions.
During severe winter weather, PennDOT may implement tier-based vehicle restrictions on designated roadways—including restrictions that limit or prohibit commercial vehicle travel. These restrictions are intended to improve roadway safety, support plowing and treatment operations, and reduce the risk of stranded vehicles and extended roadway closures.
Carriers operating in Pennsylvania should:
- Monitor current road and weather conditions
- Confirm whether any PennDOT tier restrictions are active on planned routes
- Adjust dispatch and routing decisions accordingly
- Plan for truck parking/staging if restrictions are anticipated or implemented
PMTA's Winter Weather information page can be found here: https://pmta.org/56425-2-copy/
Where to find PennDOT restriction updates
PennDOT posts live travel information and winter vehicle restrictions through 511PA, including a restrictions map:
https://www.511pa.com
To learn more about PennDOT’s winter vehicle restriction framework, tier system, or to sign up for alerts, visit 511PA and hover over the “Vehicle Restrictions” tab.
Members operating across state lines may also wish to monitor:
Additional Reminder: Heating Fuel Emergency Declaration Still Active (Through Feb. 15)
PMTA also reminds members that a separate FMCSA emergency declaration supporting heating fuel transport operations remains in effect through February 15, 2026.
This declaration is separate from the winter storm regional declaration above and may apply to qualifying carriers transporting heating fuel and related essential supplies in support of emergency needs.
PMTA’s prior update is available here:
https://members.pmta.org/news/Details/fmcsa-extends-emergency-declaration-supporting-heating-fuel-transport-through-february-15-2026-308149
What FMCSA Means by “Direct Assistance” (Quick Guidance)
FMCSA emergency declarations provide temporary relief only for carriers and drivers providing “direct assistance” supporting emergency relief efforts.
✅ Direct assistance generally includes:
- Transporting essential supplies for emergency response or recovery
- Moving fuel or other critical commodities needed to maintain essential services
- Hauling equipment, materials, or personnel needed to restore essential services (electric, gas, water, telecom, etc.)
- Supporting activities directly tied to protecting life/property during the emergency period
❌ Direct assistance does not include:
- Routine commercial deliveries not tied to emergency response
- Standard freight operations that continue “as normal”
- Loads where only a small amount of emergency-related product is added to qualify
- Long-term repair/rehabilitation after the immediate threat to life/property has passed
Compliance reminder
Even when operating under FMCSA emergency relief:
- Drivers and carriers must not operate if they are fatigued or otherwise unable to drive safely
- Most other requirements remain in effect (including CDL requirements, insurance/financial responsibility, drug & alcohol testing rules, and hazardous materials regulations, as applicable)
- PennDOT winter travel restrictions still apply and must be followed