Multiple states relax hours of service rules for truckers hauling heating fuel following Winter Storm Blair

Several states have issued emergency declarations for truckers hauling fuel in the wake of a major winter storm.

Over the weekend and into this week, Winter Storm Blair dumped as much as 18 inches of snow in some areas, shutting down interstates, cutting power to hundreds of thousands of customers, and resulting in at least 10 deaths, according to The Weather Channel.

As the storm continues to move through the U.S., leaving sub-zero temperatures in its wake, several states have issued emergency declarations waiving certain hours of service regulations for truck drivers to speed up the delivery of fuel.

Iowa

Through 11:59 p.m. on February 6, 2025, an emergency proclamation issued by Governor Kim Reynolds “suspends the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code pertaining to hours of service for crews and drivers delivering propane, diesel, natural gas, and other fuels used for residential, agricultural, and commercial heating purposes.”

See more here.

Kansas

The Kansas Governor’s Office provided hours of service regulatory relief for the transportation industry for drivers providing direct assistance during this emergency (through
until 11:59 PM on January 18, 2025) and for drivers delivering home heating fuels (through
11:59 PM on February 3, 2025) amid the winter weather emergency.

See more here.

Kentucky

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is providing relief from hours of service rules and from requirements to stop at weigh stations for commercial vehicles providing delivering propane, fuel oil, kerosene and other needed supplies within the affected areas, now through January 19.

See more here.

Missouri

Governor Michael L. Parson issued a  a temporary suspension of current regulations on maximum driving times to ensure that operators of commercial motor carriers can transport residential heating fuel in and across Missouri, effective now through January 13.

See more here.

New Hampshire

An emergency declaration provides hours of service relief for motor carriers providing delivery of propane and home heating oil to homes and businesses within the State of New Hampshire. Effective through midnight on January 21.

See more here.

New York

Officials have modified hours of service regulations with respect to the intrastate transportation of fuels performed by motor carriers between points throughout the State effective at the beginning of January 3, 2025, and terminating at the end of January 11, 2025 as follows:

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Oklahoma

Governor J. Kevin Stitt issued an order suspending hours of service rules for delivery drivers of residential heating fuel through 11:59 p.m. CST on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. 

See more here.

West Virginia

A proclamation issued by Governor Jim Justice provides hours of service relief for for motor carriers in West Virginia providing direct assistance to the winter storm emergency in the State of West Virginia. This includes, but is not limited to, fuel, propane, groceries, and other essential products. Effective through 11:59 p.m. on February 5, 2025.

See more here.

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