Why It Matters
Gov. Kim Reynolds has temporarily suspended Iowa driver hours-of-service regulations for certain fuel deliveries after shortages affected parts of the state during a delayed harvest.
What Happened
The suspension applies to drivers transporting fuel, diesel and biofuels within Iowa. The proclamation gives drivers additional flexibility as longer travel times and delays at fuel-loading sites have slowed deliveries.
John Maynes, president of government affairs for FUELIowa, said shortages began Oct. 19 in western Iowa and near the Nebraska and South Dakota borders. He said demand from farm equipment, along with a rainy September that delayed harvest, contributed to the problem.
Some retail fuel stations temporarily ran out of product because of delivery inefficiencies. Maynes described the suspension as “a lever the government can pull.”
The proclamation declares a state of disaster emergency. It does not permit motor carriers to require or allow fatigued drivers to operate. Maynes said the change allows a driver to complete a final delivery and return home.
By the Numbers
Oct. 19 — date shortages began in western Iowa and along the Nebraska and South Dakota borders
More than $6 a gallon — diesel price cited by John Maynes
Four, five loads — fuel deliveries drivers previously could make in a day
One load — fuel delivery drivers may now be able to make in a day amid the shortages
30 days — duration of the proclamation
Zoom Out
The Iowa action addresses a supply problem tied to harvest timing, fuel demand and transportation delays. The suspension covers only fuel-related transportation within Iowa and retains the prohibition on operating while fatigued.
What’s Next
The proclamation remains effective for 30 days. During that period, fuel carriers may use the added scheduling flexibility while continuing to comply with fatigue-related safety requirements.