Regulations lifted to help transport of livestock feed

This order is thru the middle of January

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray announced Wednesday that he has signed an official order to temporarily suspend some restrictions for commercial drivers engaged in the transport of livestock feed and live poultry.

Gray says the action has been taken to alleviate supply chain delays and disruptions worsened by our recent winter weather, with snow, bitter cold and high winds.

“This temporary waiver of service hours helps support the agricultural industry by accelerating the delivery of critical supplies and live poultry,” Gray said.

The order is in effect now through 12:01 a.m. EST, on Jan. 20, 2023, and temporarily relieves commercial drivers from maximum driving time limits and weigh station stops for those providing a response to the affected areas.

To ensure the safety of the traveling public, carriers must comply with safety requirements and have a copy of the order in the truck cab if operating under the authority of the official order.

View and download a copy of the order at https://drive.ky.gov/Docs/Official-Order-113082.pdf.

A previous order issued by Gray on Dec. 22 suspends those same restrictions on motor carriers that will be engaged in restoring power and removing debris in areas affected by the winter storm.  It remains in effect until Jan. 6, 2023.

He noted in his earlier order that several other states beside Kentucky suffered considerable damage and economic loss due to the winter storm. Therefore, drivers passing through Kentucky on their way to those other states to provide relief are also covered under his order, to minimize the interruption of what Gray termed vital services and products that could affect the public health, safety and welfare of residents.

Those engaged in those relief efforts must also carry a copy of the order in the cab. That earlier order may be viewed and downloaded at 22.12.21-OFFICIAL-ORDER.pdf (ky.gov).