Trucking waivers granted after slight delay amid Tropical Storm Ian preparation
Image via NOAA

Screen Shot 2022-09-24 at 3.59.57 PM
The state issues waivers to increase cargo capacity during a state of emergency.

Trucking waivers from state and federal agencies have been granted to to increase cargo, expand hours of operation for truck drivers and suspend enforcement of registration requirements for those awaiting registration to ensure demand is met for items that typically face scarcity during storm threats, such as water, gas and sand, among other goods.

Previously, trucking companies were worried they would’t be able to move products necessary for storm preparation as the state prepares for a potential major hurricane next week.

A previous version of this story noted that a source with direct knowledge of the trucking industry told Florida Politics the waivers typically provided prior to hurricane landfall after an executive order declaring a state of emergency is issued had yet to be issued.

At least one order was awaiting fulfillment — sand deliveries to Home Depot and Lowe’s locations for flood preparation, according to the source.

As of 3 p.m. Saturday, waivers had yet to be issued, but have now been provided.

Agency heads for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issue the waivers, which are authorized following a declared state of emergency.

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued that order Friday for 24 counties, and expanded it Saturday to include the entire state.

Truckers worried the delay could exacerbate fuel and other emergency supply shortages as people flood stores in preparation for Tropical Storm Ian next week, which is expected to make landfall along Florida’s Gulf coast as a category 4 hurricane, according to the latest prediction models.

Trucking companies are also encumbered by driver shortages, according to the source. Nationwide, companies are strapped for drivers. Typically, states facing a storm are able to pull drivers from other states to boost transport capacity. However, because companies in other states are operating at full-capacity, availability may be limited, further restricting the amount of goods that can move during the state of emergency.

Tropical Storm Ian is currently located southeast of Jamaica and is expected to move through the Caribbean through the weekend and into the Gulf of Mexico early next week where warm waters are expected to intensify the storm. Landfall is expected on Florida’s Gulf coast sometime Wednesday.

The center of the prediction cone encompasses the nearly the entire state of Florida.

Peter Schorsch

Peter Schorsch is the President of Extensive Enterprises and is the publisher of some of Florida’s most influential new media websites, including Florida Politics and Sunburn, the morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. Schorsch is also the publisher of INFLUENCE Magazine. For several years, Peter's blog was ranked by the Washington Post as the best state-based blog in Florida. In addition to his publishing efforts, Peter is a political consultant to several of the state’s largest governmental affairs and public relations firms. Peter lives in St. Petersburg with his wife, Michelle, and their daughter, Ella.


2 comments

  • PeterH

    September 24, 2022 at 5:06 pm

    There is a shortage of Truck drivers nationally.

    DeSantis has special access to MAGA pick-up truck drivers to fill the gap. Mandate MAGA drivers to volunteer their services to truck water and paper towels to trailer parks North of Tampa. Why isn’t DeSantis out there strapping down double-wides so they don’t blow away. Floridians need to learn to care for themselves and stop their nanny state whining “where is my federal free stuff”!

    Florida residents DECIDED to live in a State that is highly likely to be impacted by a hurricane and affected by global warming. If you live north of Tampa YOU LIVE IN AN UNREGULATED SEPTIC TANK OVERFLOW AREA. THERE ARE TWO AND A HALF MILLION SEPTIC TANKS THAT ARE FALLING APART. Get ready to take YOUR OWN precautions like Jackson, Mississippi.

  • Charlie Crist

    September 24, 2022 at 6:58 pm

    Dum Dem Tom says, “Tropical 3 hurricane” is coming. Dum Dem ding dong Tom stocking up on booze and meth although he lives far away from the hurricane. It’s an excuse to get ripped on hard dope.

Comments are closed.


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