Missouri Suspends HOS Rules for Truckers Aiding Tornado Relief

The Missouri Department of Public Safety has suspended hours-of-service rules for motor carriers rushing to deliver relief supplies to the tornado-battered Joplin, Mo., area.

The emergency HOS waiver applies to truckers directly involved in relief or the delivery of essential services or supplies, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The death toll for Sunday night’s devastating tornado in Joplin was raised to at least 116, and the twister destroyed hundreds of homes and a medical center, Bloomberg reported.

Emergency crews worked late into the night in a commercial area in Joplin where a Home Depot, Wal-Mart and other stores were damaged or destroyed, Bloomberg said.

Because 35% of Joplin is still without power, truckers and motorists have been asked to avoid fueling up in the area.

Interstate 44 and U.S. 71 are open and there were no delays in traffic, though there are difficulties in driving into Joplin, according to local news reports.