The U.S. Department of Transportation is waiving hours-of-service regulations for drought-stricken areas in an effort to put more trucks and drivers on the road to help farmers and ranchers.
The rules will be waived if the area in question is under a drought warning, as administered by the respective state governor or appropriate official. Government officials say the drought is worst in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and southern Illinois and Indiana. Agricultural carriers in these states have been hit particularly hard.
DOT officials are working to expedite the process of issuing permits for overweight vehicles and loads that can be easily dismantled or divided in emergency situations. The new process, officials say, can be used to provide towns with relief supplies that help agricultural workers haul heavy loads of grain, livestock and other goods.