Eight States’ Hours-of-Service Waived in Response to Hurricane Ian
There appears to always be some weather phenomenon going on somewhere in the fifty states that comprise this country. This time, the topic of interest is Hurricane Ian, the second major hurricane of this year’s hurricane season. In response to it, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has declared a State of Emergency to allow truckers to haul relief supplies for an extended period of time.
Details
The Declaration can be read on the relevant FMCSA webpage. The Declaration lists eight states:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
Many of the states listed, such as Kentucky, have had excessive amounts of water for some time now, but none with the same movement as Ian, a hurricane that has hit as high as Category 4, or at least 130 miles per hour winds. As is standard with hurricanes, Ian is slowly losing strength as it makes its way to land.
Truckers who find themselves delivering goods that provide relief from Ian and its resulting devastation are exempt from 49 CFR § 395.3, which limits driving time, under the usual limitations. Most notably, a driver who completes a delivery while driving beyond the standard hours-of-service must begin a ten-hour break immediately. The exception to this is when driving from the final destination back to the original work reporting location.
Additionally, no other exemptions, such as those for weight restrictions, exist. The FMCSA does mention, however, that if a state in question (such as Florida) declares its own State of Emergency that provides other exemptions, it may follow those exemptions while within that state’s borders.
Conclusion
The Declaration is set to expire on October 28th or earlier if needed. Should Ian apply to other states such as Virginia, it is possible the FMCSA will expand the scope of this Declaration to cover them, although this is very unlikely.
As summer turns to fall and the weather cools down, more storms are expected to occur in the future. Hopefully they will be at a lower Category than what Ian was at its peak, or will not be hurricanes at all.
ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING
TopMark Funding is a top-rated semi-truck financing and trailer financing company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your trucking business and fleet.
We’re not here for the short-term, we’re on the long-haul with you!
We have financing options for trailers, semi-trucks, commercial trucks, and small businesses. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments regardless of credit history.
Learn more about Trailer Financing.
Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our truck financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.
