Montana Suspends Hours of Service Ahead of Winter Storm

On Dec. 28, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock issued an executive order suspending hours of service regulations in the state due to harsh weather and propane demand, according to the Flathead Beacon.

The order was issued in anticipation of a storm arriving in the area on Jan. 1, which is expected to bring snowfall, low visibility, and temperatures as low as 40 below zero by Monday morning. The freezing temperatures will stay in the area all week and could see near-record lows in some areas.

Hours of service regulations were suspended for carriers that transport propane, heating oil, and diesel fuel in order to meet the high demand for fuel before and during the storm.

The Flathead Beacon quoted Bullock saying, “Montana’s winter weather can pose a serious threat to the livelihood of Montanans who depend on propane and heating oil. This order will ensure the timely and necessary delivery of petroleum products so that Montanans keep warm in their homes and continue to work, even in the harshest of winter conditions.”