Winter does not mean unlimited driving time. Normal federal property-carrier rules allow 11 driving hours after 10 straight hours off. Driving must fit within a 14-hour window. A narrow propane emergency exception exists. Requests to refill empty tanks are expressly excluded from its emergency definition.
Does being on call count as time off?
The words on call do not settle this. Tell your adviser what the driver does. Explain any limits on the driver's time. Bring the time records. Dispatch needs to know how many hours the driver has left.
FMCSA's summary explains driving limits, the driving window and total duty limits. A local route does not by itself remove these limits. Short-haul provisions have conditions.
When does the propane exception apply?
49 CFR 390.3T(f)(7) covers a driver whose commercial motor vehicle is used mainly to move propane winter heating fuel. It applies if the rules would prevent the driver from responding to a qualifying emergency.
Section 390.5T defines an emergency condition requiring immediate response. Examples include gas odor and carbon monoxide alarms or poisoning. It also includes actual or suspected damage to propane systems after severe storms or floods. It excludes requests to refill empty gas tanks. A rush order does not by itself qualify.
A declared emergency order is separate. Read its scope and terms first.
What should dispatch check?
These are our preparation recommendations:
- Check the driver's current hours.
- Record what the caller actually reported.
- Ask the safety lead which rule or order applies.
- Record the decision and its limits.
- Plan relief drivers for routine demand.
See hazmat training records and the answer hub. Confirm federal and state rules with your adviser. This page is not approval to send a driver. It is not an emergency plan or legal advice.