Florida Waives HOS for Truckers, Prepares for Hurricane Ian

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an emergency declaration relaxing trucking regulations as a major hurricane, named “Ian” is expected to landfall by mid-week.

On Saturday afternoon with hurricane Ian gaining intensity, Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for the entire state of Florida. DeSantis also activated the National Guard to assist in disaster response efforts.

Currently, forecasters expect that Ian will impact the west coast of Florida and the Florida panhandle midweek, but the trajectory of the storm could change.

HOS, Size & Weight Waived For Relief Haulers

Florida has also waived Hours of Service requirements for motor carriers that enter Florida to provide emergency services or supplies, to transport emergency equipment, supplies, or personnel, or to transport FEMA mobile homes or office style mobile homes into or from Florida.

Additionally, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has waived weight and size requirements for any vehicles transporting fuel, emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agricultural commodities and citrus.

Other actions FDOT is taking to prepare Florida infrastructure for the storm, includes:

• Preparing Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU) corridors for needed future activation.
• Inspecting and clearing roadways.
• Securing maintenance yards, active projects and barges, facilities, and high mast lighting.
• Checking and clearing drainage areas and inlets.

Related Articles:

• FMCSA Waives HOS Rules For Fuel Haulers After Fire Threatens Supply In Multiple States
• FMCSA Suspends Some Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations Due To Winter Storms
• FMCSA Adds Three Fuel Sources to HOS Waiver