Direct assistance
Direct assistance means transportation and other relief services provided by a motor carrier or its driver incident to the immediate restoration of essential services (such as, electricity, medial care, sewer, water, telecommunications, and telecommunication transmissions) or essential supplies (such as, food and fuel). It does not include transportation related to long-term rehabilitation of damaged physical infrastructure or routine commercial deliveries after the initial threat to life and property has passed.
Source
49 CFR § 390.5
Scoping language
Unless specifically defined elsewhere, in this subchapter: