Nebraska and North Dakota Hours-of-Service Exemptions

Federal regulators are trying their hardest to get Americans to eventually switch away from fossil fuels such as petroleum, but that does not mean they do not need it now. Both of the states Nebraska and North Dakota are suffering from fuel shortages at the current moment, and to that extent both governors are issuing a State of Emergency to get more fuels delivered.

Nebraska

On May 5th, Governor Jim Pillen made a Declaration regarding an emergency fuel shortage. Drivers that are delivering relevant fuels such as diesel and propane may drive beyond their scheduled hours-of-service, within the boundaries of actual fatigue.

The Declaration requires a driver performing under it to keep a copy with them in their truck, so we advise that you print it as evidence if you plan to drive within the Cornhusker state until it expires on June 4th.

North Dakota

Not to be outdone by the place two states below them, North Dakota has enacted a similar Declaration as well. While the Declaration does not require the driver to keep a copy, it also applies to agricultural products due to a shortened spring season. Some examples of these farming supplies valid for the exemption include:

• Fertilizer, dry and liquid.
• Seeds.
• Pesticides.

“Nothing in this order shall be construed to relieve carriers operating under this order from regulations pertaining to qualifications of drivers, driving of commercial motor vehicles, or parts and accessories necessary for the safe operation of vehicles,” the North Dakota order stated. 

This State of Emergency, like with Nebraska, was signed on May 5th by the governor (Doug Burgum) and will expire in thirty days after signing, which will be June 4th.

Conclusion

With South Dakota between the two states, it raises the question as to why the Mount Rushmore state has not also enacted its own fuel shortage State of Emergency. Perhaps that state government has hidden reserves that we do not know about? The floor is open for conjecture on that front. In any case, we hope that the two states are able to fulfill their fuel needs soon, as the transition to green energy will likely be a slow shift rather than an earthquake.

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