Winter Weather Prompts States to Waive Fuel Delivery Regs
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A swath of icy weather and snow that hit multiple states beginning Jan. 4 resulted in emergency hours-of-service waivers for truckers delivering heating fuel in Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma and West Virginia.
Missouri Gov. Michael Parson on Jan. 3 signed his first executive order of 2025, declaring a winter storm state of emergency until Jan. 13. He noted that residents and businesses depend on heating fuel, such as propane, natural gas and heating oil during the winter months, and predicted extreme cold temperatures would cause demand to spike and put added pressure on truckers to transport fuel along state highways.
“This increased demand for residential heating fuel is anticipated to create significant delays for carriers in acquiring and transporting residential heating fuel in and across Missouri,” Parson’s order stated. He exempted HOS requirements only for the transport of residential heating fuels.
Also expiring Jan. 13 is an HOS waiver in Arkansas that Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders advanced Jan. 5 with declaration of a winter weather emergency.
Sanders
Sanders authorized commercial vehicles assisting with emergency efforts in Arkansas to bypass all state weigh stations. The state’s HOS waiver applied to commercial carriers hauling essential items, including but not limited to groceries, pharmacy items, medical equipment, goods, commodities, fuel, poultry, livestock and feed. It also applies to drivers transporting heavy equipment, oversize loads, transformers, utility hardware, and electricity transmission and distribution equipment.
She noted that the severe winter weather could result in a greater demand for commercial vehicles to haul heavy equipment, oversize loads, transformers, necessary hardware, and other transmission and distribution equipment to address power outages in the state.
“The weather-related conditions could result in a backlog of deliveries by commercial vehicles transporting essential items of commerce to customers in Arkansas,” she said.
Kelly
In Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly on Jan. 4 issued a disaster emergency proclamation across the state because of the likelihood of winter weather and cold temperatures in the broader Upper Midwest region disrupting motor carrier deliveries of essential home heating fuels and other services.
“I hereby suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business, or the order or rules and regulations of any state agency which implements such statute, if strict compliance with the provisions of such statutes, order or rule and regulation would prevent, hinder or delay in any way necessary action in coping with the disaster,” Kelly ordered.
Capt. Stephen LaRow of the Kansas Highway Patrol noted that, unless rescinded, the state of emergency notice would last until Jan. 18 for those providing direct general emergency assistance. The waiver of motor carrier rules and regulations is in effect until Feb. 3 for commercial drivers delivering essential home heating fuels.
In Kentucky, state Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray on Jan. 4 declared a state of emergency and waived federal HOS regulations through Jan. 19 for truckers delivering propane, fuel oil, kerosene and other vital supplies. The waiver also applies to commercial vehicles restoring power and transporting food, water, nonalcoholic beverages, medical supplies and feed for livestock and poultry. Also, the waiver applies to the transportation of livestock, poultry and crops ready to be harvested. Kentucky also waived commercial vehicles from stopping at weigh stations if they are assisting in providing emergency relief.
(Julio Cortez/Associated Press)
On Jan. 5, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice issued a winter storm emergency waiving HOS through Feb. 5 for motor carriers that directly transport fuel, propane, groceries and other essential products.
“Drivers are expected to use good judgment and not operate vehicles with fatigued or ill drivers, or under any conditions presenting a clear hazard to other motorists using the highways,” the order stated.
The shortest waiver was issued for Oklahoma by state Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton. The state suspended from Jan. 5-8 HOS limits for drivers bringing residential heating fuel.
“We have received reports from several propane dealers who have depleted their storage tanks in preparation for the next seven days of inclement weather. Additionally, many are already facing challenges with drivers reaching their service hour limits,” Tipton noted Jan. 4. “To ensure we remain proactive in addressing this weather event and to safeguard the well-being of Oklahoma residents, we strongly recommend invoking an extension of hours-of-service regulations for drivers.”
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