The Truckload Carriers Association announced Thursday it is working to keep drivers informed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Gulf Coast roads are in shambles, making truck transportation in the area difficult and a declaration of emergency has been issued for carriers and drivers transporting gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel in response to the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the fuel supply system.
This declaration of emergency exempts carriers and drivers hauling gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel to address transportation needs arising from the disaster until 1 p.m. EDT Sept. 14, 2005. The declaration does not exempt drivers from drug and alcohol testing requirements, commercial driver’s license requirements or insurance requirements. It also does not apply to any carrier or driver that has been placed out of service. A declaration of emergency, similar to this one has been issued by all of the FMCSA field administrators and will cover all 50 states.
Additionally, EPA Administrator Steven L. Johnson has determined that the impact of Hurricane Katrina created an “extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstance” in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA will temporarily allow all parties in the fuel distribution system, including refiners, importers, distributors, carriers and retail outlets (regulated parties) to supply gasoline meeting a Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) standard of 9.0 psi in areas of the affected states where a lower RVP is required.
For information on current road closings, the declaration of emergency, EPA fuel waiver, and all hurricane related transportation news, visit www.truckload.org.
In addition, the American Trucking Associations has just gone “live” with a “Katrina Relief Effort” dedicated site on www.Truckline.com. The package has latest trucking related and relevant information for motor carriers and others wishing to help with the relief effort. ATA will update the site as new information arrives.