Commercial vehicle drivers and motor carriers have been granted a measure of regulatory relief in Vermont and Iowa under emergency declarations that were recently issued.
Those emergencies were declared after a winter storm brought heavy snow and freezing temperatures to several states from the Midwest to the East Coast.
Kentucky, Missouri and New York have also waived certain regulations for commercial motor vehicles due to winter storm Blair.
Several deaths are blamed on Winter Storm Blair which also shut down interstates, caused thousands of airport delays and racked up more than 350,000 power outages. Here’s the latest: https://t.co/qI3rLCEdsV
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) January 6, 2025
Vermont’s emergency order, issued Tuesday, Jan. 7 and in effect through Feb. 5, pertains to motor carriers providing delivery of propane and heating oil to homes and businesses. State officials said an emergency exists due to a shortage of residential and business heating fuel.
Motor carriers with an out-of-service order are not eligible for the relief granted by the Vermont declaration. Drivers must have a paper or electronic copy of the order in their possession.
In Iowa, a high demand for petroleum products has created a barrier to timely access of propane and petroleum products, according to the state’s emergency declaration.
Through Feb. 6, hours-of-service requirements for crews and drivers delivering propane, diesel, natural gas and other fuels for residential, agricultural and commercial heating purposes are waived.
Upon expiration, or when a driver is relieved of his or her duties, 34 consecutive hours off-duty are required to restart on-duty status hours and the 60/70 clock at zero, the order said.
Emergency orders regarding agricultural and bird flu concerns are also in effect in Iowa.
In Southern California, wildfires have burned over 5,000 acres, prompting mandatory evacuation orders across Los Angeles County.
Critical Fire Weather Alert:
Southern California is facing a #CriticalFireWeather event through Thursday, with strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity creating extreme wildfire risks. One fire, the #PalisadesFire, has already ignited and is being driven by these high winds. 🌲🔥… pic.twitter.com/LnUrJiDkWG— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 7, 2025
As of Wednesday, Jan. 8, there was no emergency order in place related to requirements for commercial motor vehicles. LL
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