The Department of Transportation is coordinating a massive operation involving airplanes, buses, commercial trucks and ships designed to get supplies and personnel into affected regions and evacuate citizens out of New Orleans.
The DOT has secured more than 1,639 trucks to support the delivery of more than 3,731 truckloads of goods, including more than 25 million MREs (meals ready to eat), more than 31 million liters of water, 56,400 tarps, more than 19 million pounds of ice and 215,000 blankets.
The Department is overseeing the largest airlift on U.S. soil to move supplies into affected regions and evacuate residents out of the city. The Department is providing more than 1,200 buses to evacuate citizens. Approximately 66,000 people have been evacuated thus far by either air or bus.
The Department has also coordinated with nearby airports and airlines to provide operations and ground and ramp support to help unload and turnaround aircraft as quickly as possible.
For the first time in history, the Secretary of Transportation requested that the Department of Defense release vessels in the U.S. Ready Reserve Fleet for service moving supplies and personnel into the region, providing temporary housing and moving people out.
The Department has worked to restore the flow of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel throughout the country. Overall, the country is expected to have 95 percent of its refining capacity by the end of this week.
The Department has arranged for oil trucks to load fuel directly from oil pipelines in Collins, Miss., for delivery to emergency and relief personnel along the coast. The Department coordinated propane deliveries to the New Orleans airport to maintain radar operations and arranged delivery of electrical generators for emergency operations in the city.
DOT Cites Most Recent Disaster Relief Action
The Department of Transportation is coordinating a massive operation involving airplanes, buses, commercial trucks and ships designed to get supplies and personnel into affected regions and evacuate citizens out of New Orleans.
More Drivers

Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info
Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.
Read More →
Western Star Showcases Truckers' Pride and Skill
Western Star is expanding its Star Nation Experience in 2026, adding new competitions and dealer participation to highlight operator skills and promote careers in trucking.
Read More →
Best Fleets to Drive For: Two Carriers Earn Overall Award for First Time
CarriersEdge announced the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For overall winners, with Crawford Trucking, Fortigo Freight Services, and FTC Transportation receiving top awards.
Read More →
Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training
The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.
Read More →
Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal
For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.
Read More →
FMCSA Reinstates Field Warrior ELD to Registered Device List
One electronic logging device has been reinstated to the FMCSA's list of registered ELDs.
Read More →
How One Company is Using Smart Suspension Technology to Reduce Driver Injuries and Improve Retention
America’s Service Line adopted Link’s SmartValve and ROI Cabmate systems to address whole-body vibration, repetitive strain, and driver turnover. The trucking fleet is already seeing measurable results.
Read More →
CarriersEdge Announces 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For
The 18th annual contest recognizing the best workplaces for truck drivers sees changes to Top 20, Hall of Fame
Read More →
FMCSA Targets 550+ ‘Sham’ CDL Schools in Nationwide Sting Operation
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued more than 550 notices of proposed removal to commercial driver training providers following a five-day nationwide enforcement sweep. Investigators cited unqualified instructors, improper training vehicles, and failure to meet federal and state requirements.
Read More →
DOT Alleges Illinois Issued Illegal Non-Domiciled CDLs
Illinois is the latest state targeted and threatened with the loss of highway funding by the U.S. Department of Transportation in its review of states' non-domiciled CDL issuance procedures. The state is pushing back.
Read More →
