Iowa Lifts HOS Rules for Fuel Haulers

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver (D) has temporarily lifted limits on how long gasoline and diesel truck drivers can work, in order to combat fuel shortages that have prompted higher prices across the region, the Associated Press reported.

Drivers in Iowa are normally limited to 12-hour delivery shifts, with at least 10 hours off following shifts. But Culver issued a 30-day waiver on the limit July 12, saying drivers need enough time to make their deliveries, AP reported.

Analysts say the July 1 closure of a Kansas due to flooding and the shutdown two weeks ago of oil-processing equipment at a BP refinery Indiana have sent fuel prices in the Midwest and Plains states sharply higher, AP said.

Brian Crowe, an energy analyst for the Iowa Department of Transportation, said the waivers and refinery recoveries should keep prices from increasing significantly again, unless there are new problems, AP reported.