In The News
Trucking regs suspended, Interstate lanes reversed as Hurricane Matthew makes landfall
As Hurricane Matthew makes landfall, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina have issued emergency declarations suspending several federal regulations for truckers operating in the states to aid with relief efforts. South Carolina has also reversed lanes on I-26 between Charleston and Columbia.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott issued a State of Emergency that suspends registration, hours-of-service and size and weight regulations for commercial vehicles entering the state to provide emergency services or supplies, to transport emergency equipment, supplies or personnel, or to transport FEMA mobile homes.
The order states the DOT will issue size and weight permits for divisible loads on vehicles transporting emergency equipment, services, supplies and agricultural commodities and citrus as recommended by the Commissioner of Agriculture.
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory also issued a State of Emergency suspending hours-of-service regulations, certain size and weight restrictions and certain registration requirements for vehicles transporting equipment and supplies for the restoration of utility services, carrying essentials and for equipment for any debris removal. Vehicle weight must still remain under the maximum GVWR from a vehicle's manufacturer or 90,000 pounds gross weight, whichever is less, according to the emergency declaration. Tandem axle weight must also remain under 42,000 pounds and single axle weight under 22,000 pounds.
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley issued a State of Emergency this week that also suspends regulations pertaining to size and weight up to 90,000 pounds. Any weight above that is required to be permitted from the state. South Carolina's emergency declaration also waives hours-of-service regulations. Haley also ordered a major lane reversal for hurricane evacuation out of Charleston. I-26 eastbound into of Charleston was reversed beginning at 3 p.m. Wednesday with traffic going away from the coast until the I-26 and I-77 interchange in Columbia.
The state of Georgia issued a State of Emergency, but didn't specifically mention the suspension of any trucking regulations.
The storm is expected to impact the three states throughout the weekend and into next week.