During the aftermath of any natural disaster – floods, wildfires, avalanches, and hurricanes – it is not trucking as usual. Roads may be closed. Trucks may be rerouted. Access to food, fuel and rest areas may be limited. Traffic may be delayed by emergency officials.
A catastrophe the size of Hurricane Helene amplifies the magnitude of these changes – and adds one other element: the need for transportation of emergency supplies to the affected areas, and a restriction that only trucks providing that emergency relief may be allowed in those areas. When transporting emergency supplies, motor carriers must pay close attention before, during and after the haul.
Before transporting emergency supplies. Plan ahead:
- Check weather conditions before travel (https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather). Emergency alerts can be delivered to mobile devices (https://www.ready.gov/alerts).
- Know your shipper. Well-intentioned groups may seek truck transportation of emergency supplies to devastated areas without first arranging for the acceptance of that truck and its load upon arrival. State emergency officials dealing with the aftermath of a major disaster often do not have the manpower or space to handle unexpected deliveries. If there is a doubt, check with local emergency authorities before dispatching your truck that direction.
- Review emergency declarations. States may issue emergency declarations for up to 14 days. Specifically for Hurricane Helene, state emergency declarations have been issued by:
- Florida (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/fl-eo-24-208-potential-tropical-cyclone-nine)
- Georgia (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/ga-eo-09242401-tropical-storm-helene)
- Kentucky (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/kentucky-declaration-emergency-no-113789-tropical-storm-helene)
- North Carolina (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/north-carolina-executive-order-315-tropical-storm-helene)
- South Carolina (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/south-carolina-executive-order-2024-24-hurricane-helene)
- Tennessee (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/tennessee-executive-order-no-105-hurricane-helene)
- Virginia (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/virginia-executive-order-37-2024-due-hurricane-helene)
- West Virginia (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/west-virginia-governor-proclamation-hurricane-helene)
Federal emergency declarations allow truckers hours of service exemptions during these conditions (https://prepass.com/blog/fmcsa-finalizes-changes-to-emergency-trucking-exemptions/). State emergency declarations may also include suspension of state truck size and weight limitations, and/or suspend required weigh station inspections for those involved in emergency relief efforts. In either event, find out whether that waiver of hours of service or that relief from state regulations allows your drivers to safely reach a secure destination.
- Look at state and federal websites for posted road closures and detours (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/about/webstate.cfm). Travel may take extra time. Access to food and fuel may be limited. Plan for more time and more stops than usual.
- Both company dispatchers and drivers should have access to weather and road information. When in doubt or when facing unforeseen dangers, truck drivers should pull safely off the road before calling back to the office. And drivers should always carry the food, tools and clothing appropriate to the season and conditions.
During the transportation of emergency supplies. Be prepared for change:
- Trucks may be rerouted… frequently. The clean-up after a hurricane requires ongoing road work and the repositioning of emergency vehicles and equipment. Patience is necessary.
- The time and place of scheduled delivery may also change. Follow directions from emergency officials on site.
- Truck travel may be directed over unexpected routes, such as alleyways or minor streets. Check with emergency officials if there is any doubt about truck accessibility.
- Park and wait only where indicated.
After transporting emergency supplies: Take steps toward normal, safe operations:
- Federal regulations require that drivers coming off of emergency operations receive their full HOS off-duty time for rest and recovery before returning to normal operations.
- Truck equipment also needs to recover – through a thorough inspection for any damage caused by exposure to flooded and debris-strewn roads during emergency operations. Especially examine the undercarriage of tractors and trailers for damage and for debris caught up in wheels and axles.
- Today’s equipment also requires cleaning of the lights, cameras and sensors that run modern technology.
Thank you, trucking, for helping America recover from Hurricane Helene!