Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023:
Three states issue hours waivers over propane shortages
Governors in Nevada, South Dakota and Wyoming each recently issued emergency declarations related to propane shortages, waiving hours of service regulations for drivers hauling propane.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo issued a proclamation Jan. 23 waiving Part 395.3 (maximum driving time) of the hours of service regulations through Feb. 1 due to Nevada continuing “to suffer from a propane shortage which impacts the ability for people and businesses to heat homes and power essential government and business equipment.” The proclamation added that “extreme weather conditions are anticipated to continue, and Nevada’s propane shortage remains critically low.”
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s declaration waived Part 390-399 of the federal regulations through Feb. 18. “Drivers of propane transport vehicles are required to deliver propane necessary to maintain the supply of this product in order to enable the people of South Dakota to continue normal heating functions,” the declaration stated.
Finally, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon issued a declaration Jan. 20, effective through Feb. 19, that waives Part 395.3 of the regs. Gordon said Wyoming citizens “are faced with low supplies of propane with which to heat their homes and businesses.”
[Related: Owner-ops, groups: COVID hours waiver should open door for more flexibility]
I-15 closing in Nevada this weekend
The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is urging drivers to plan ahead for temporary full closures of I-15, Tropicana Avenue, and associated ramps in through the end of the month. The closures are necessary as an I-15/Tropicana Design Build project moves into a critical phase known as “Dropicana.”
Crews will demolish and rebuild the north half of Tropicana Avenue (the current eastbound lanes) over I-15 and Frank Sinatra Drive. Much of the flyover ramp from southbound I-15 to eastbound Tropicana will also be taken down and rebuilt. The demolition of both bridges is necessary so that Tropicana Avenue can be widened and raised to add capacity and increase safety, NDOT said.
As of Jan. 17, the I-15 southbound I-15 offramps to Tropicana east- and westbound have been closed to traffic. The ramp to westbound Tropicana will remain closed for approximately nine months. The flyover ramp to eastbound Tropicana will remain closed for approximately 18 months.
Tropicana Avenue is currently closed in both directions between Dean Martin Drive and New York-New York for eight days, from January 22-30. I-15 will close in both directions at Tropicana from 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27 to 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 30.
[Related: U.S. 95 overnight closure in Nevada]
Iowa overweight waiver extended
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Jan. 20 signed a proclamation that extends a waiver allowing truck drivers hauling grain, fertilizer and manure to haul up to 90,000 pounds.
The overweight waiver extension is effective through Feb. 19 and allows vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), and manure (dry and liquid) to be overweight (not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight) without a permit for the duration of the proclamation.
FleetPride acquires Florida repair shop
FleetPride announced it has acquired the assets of TML Truck & Trailer Repair, based in Ocala, Florida.
"We are very excited about the acquisition of TML Truck & Trailer Repair," said Mike Harris, FleetPride senior vice president of sales and operations. "Todd Lewis and the team are well known as trusted partners who focus on quality service while providing a great customer experience. We look forward to being able to continue that tradition as we grow that market for all our customers."
Founded in 2012, TML Truck & Trailer Repair is a full-service shop operating on heavy-duty trucks and equipment. Its central footprint deepens FleetPride's coverage in the region.
"FleetPride shares our passion for delivering value and continually creating personal and professional opportunities for our team," said Todd Lewis, Owner, TML Truck & Trailer Repair.
