When things get rough in America, officials turn to truckers to come through. That was the case — once again — in mid-January when governors waived hours-of-service (HOS) restrictions for truckers hauling home heating oil and essential goods. The measures were implemented to ensure people who rely on fuel would not run out as frigid winter temperatures bore down on much of the country. Now, several governors must decide whether to extend the waivers or roll the dice.
A handful of states issued long-term measures rather than have to circle back and re-issue HOS waivers each time an Arctic blast froze water lines or stifled cities and towns with snowfall. The emergency orders in several states won’t soon time-out. But other governors are tasked with making a decision in the near future.
In Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey implemented an HOS waiver that runs through mid-February. The Alabama order releases truckers who are also delivering any weather-related disaster-relief goods and materials. But a portion of her mandate expires much sooner. She banned price gauging through Jan. 27.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders only waived HOS rules through Jan. 26. The order covers truckers transporting groceries, medical supplies, livestock, and other necessities. It also applies “to commercial vehicles hauling heavy equipment, oversized loads, transformers, necessary hardware, and other transmission and distribution equipment for the purpose of restoring service to citizens and properties in Arkansas,” according to the Governor’s office.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s emergency order was set to expire on Jan. 25. It focused on liquid propane gas transportation, noting that a half-million Hoosiers use the fuel source to heat homes, schools, and other buildings. Surprisingly frigid temperatures prompted Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves to issue a short-term HOS order that expires on Jan. 30. The measure is largely restricted to fuel and necessities. These are other state HOS waivers that are nearing their end date.
- Nebraska: Heating oil HOS is expected to clock out on Feb. 11.
- North Carolina: The order lifts restrictions on the transportation of fuel, livestock, groceries, essential goods, and medical supplies through Feb. 8.
- South Dakota: Waivers remain in effect for fuel deliveries through Feb. 11.
- Tennessee: The state’s HOS waiver for oil, diesel, gasoline, kerosene, propane, liquid petroleum, and other refined petroleum products and heating fuels ends on Jan. 27.
Truckers who haul fuel and essential goods would be well-served to take note of the HOS waiver expirations and any updates. As soon as the next severe winter storm hits, governors will want truckers to bail out communities, yet again.
Sources:
Leave a Comment