Harsh winter weather has led several U.S. states to issue emergency waivers to support fuel delivery efforts. With snow and icy conditions impacting travel, states like Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, and West Virginia have temporarily eased hours-of-service (HOS) regulations for drivers transporting heating fuel.
These waivers are designed to keep essential deliveries-like propane, natural gas, and heating oil-moving to homes and businesses that rely on them. Without flexibility, delays could prevent critical fuel from reaching people on time during dangerous cold spells.
Executive Action Across the Map
State leaders have responded with emergency orders to support the trucking industry:
- Missouri Governor Mike Parson declared a state of emergency, noting the rising demand for heating fuel. His executive order waived HOS rules to relieve pressure on drivers delivering to residential areas.
- Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a similar order. Truckers hauling emergency supplies can now bypass weigh stations, and HOS rules are temporarily suspended for those delivering essential goods.
- Kansas Governor Laura Kelly also declared a disaster emergency, lifting freight movement restrictions across the state to ensure vital supplies can continue to flow.
- Kentucky and West Virginia followed suit, relaxing key trucking regulations to prioritize heating fuel delivery during freezing temperatures.
The goal across all these states is the same – to prevent supply chain slowdowns and keep homes and businesses warm during extreme weather.
Responsibility Still Matters
These waivers don’t give drivers a free pass. While some rules are relaxed, road safety regulations remain in place. Drivers are still expected to operate responsibly and cautiously, especially in dangerous conditions.
Supporting truckers with regulatory flexibility helps them do their jobs better – but safety must remain the priority.
