Hours rules suspended for propane haulers

Propane TankerSeven states have suspended hours-of-service rules for truckers transporting propane to mitigate current supply shortages.

Over the weekend, Arizona, Michigan and Connecticut issued emergency proclamations, joining Maine, Wisconsin, New Mexico and Utah, which had already temporarily suspended HOS rules for propane haulers.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer suspended regulations through Feb. 9 after freezing temperatures spiked demand in the Southwest. Meanwhile, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder issued an HOS exemption through Feb. 3. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin are experiencing shortages because of low temperatures and a repair to a Michigan propane terminal pipeline, Snyder said.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker also noted the Michigan pipeline repair in his emergency declaration, which will expire Feb. 3. Additionally, several Wisconsin terminals are unable to meet current customer demand and are on a propane rationing system until further notice, Walker stated.

Connecticut officials attributed cold weather for insufficient propane supplies in issuing its order, set to expire 11:59 p.m. Jan. 30.

Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Maine governors also issued declarations because of colder temperatures. These will end Jan. 29, except for Maine, where the rule suspension ends Jan. 30.