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The Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate (OSHA) will not apply to truck drivers, according to American Trucking Associations (ATA) President and CEO Chris Spear.

Last week, the Occupational and Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced an emergency temporary standard to implement the mandate. Spear said the standard exempts any employees who work remotely or exclusively outdoors and have minimal contact with others indoors, Spear said in a press release. While it is not yet confirmed by OSHA or another government agency, Spear said the mandate indicates the exemption. He said it was a “relief” for the trucking industry so that the distribution of goods would not be interrupted.

“We see (this) as an enormous victory for our association and industry,” Spear said. “Given the nationwide shortage of truck drivers, it is vital that our industry has the relief it needs to keep critical good moving.”

Over the weekend, a federal panel temporarily stayed the mandate on private employers.