Getting essential supplies to destinations is critical during the COVID-19. Truck drivers have been thrust into the spotlight as road transport is one of the essential services as outlined by governments
In response to COVID-19, the Government of Saskatchewan is temporarily modifying hours of service regulations for commercial truck drivers. One of the listed categories under the exemption is the transportation of food, paper products, and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centres or stores.
Some Saskatchewan farmers may read that release and think that that agricultural goods would be classified under “food” but that is not the case.
According to Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, routine commercial deliveries of livestock and grain products are not included under this hours of service exemption. This exemption is intended to apply only to “transportation by carriers providing direct assistance to emergency relief efforts during the response to COVID-19.” The spokesperson continued, “the intention was to apply the exemption narrowly but to ensure consistency across North America and we continue to work with our federal and provincial counterparts to ensure consistency in Canada and south of the border.”
As always, trucks registered as “Class F” — those with farm plates — are exempt from hours of service regulations when traveling within the province.
