Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Press Release

Exemptions for motor carrier transportation of petroleum products extended

Changes allow transport of heavier loads of petroleum products

By - Jun 3rd, 2016 05:05 pm

In order to avoid the potential for gasoline and diesel shortages during the temporary closing of the West Shore Pipeline, the Wisconsin Departments of Transportation (WisDOT) and Administration (DOA) have determined an energy emergency exists and have authorized motor carriers to transport overweight loads of petroleum products such as fuel and oil, effective immediately through July 5, 2016.

This authorization comes after the Federal Motor Carrier Administration granted a 30 day extension to Governor Walker’s Executive Order 197 that was issued May 6, 2016 declaring an Energy Emergency.

This ensures motor carriers are able to travel into and throughout the state so that any potential gasoline and diesel shortages are avoided, as demand is high this time of year with increased travel. It will also help businesses continue normal operations.

During an energy emergency, after consultation with DOA, WisDOT has elected to grant authorized weights allowed and waives the divisible load limitation and authorizes for a period not to exceed 30 days the operation of overweight vehicles, having a registered gross weight of 50,000 pounds or more and carrying energy resources of fuel, regardless of the highways involved to conserve energy.

Such authorization may only allow weights not more than 10 percent greater than the gross axle and axle combination weight limitations, and not more than 15 percent greater than the gross vehicle weight limitations under state law.

Hours of service

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Field Administrator has determined the severity of the ongoing energy emergency, identified in Governor Walker’s Executive Order 197, continues to exist.  Therefore an extension of 30 days has been granted to motor carriers providing relief services.  This exemption will expire on July 5, 2016. Details of the energy emergency involving petroleum products, and specifics of the hours of service exemptions, is identified within Executive Order 197 which can be found at:

http://walker.wi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/EO%20%23197_0.pdf.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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