State, Federal emergency declarations issued for Louisiana flood relief assistance

Aug. 17, 2016
Trucking companies, including tank truck fleets, are being encouraged to respond to the Louisiana flood emergency. The need for transportation assistance was reiterated after Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency for a entire state of Louisianaon August 12 and President Obama followed up with a federal proclamation on August 14. The initial federal declaration is for the following parishes: Tangipahoa, St. Helena, East Baton Rouge and Livingston. Additional parish declarations will be made as further damage assessments are conducted.

Trucking companies, including tank truck fleets, are being encouraged to respond to the Louisiana flood emergency. The need for transportation assistance was reiterated after Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency for a entire state of Louisiana on August 12 and President Obama followed up with a federal proclamation on August 14.

The initial federal declaration is for the following parishes: Tangipahoa, St Helena, East Baton Rouge, and Livingston. Additional parish declarations will be made as further damage assessments are conducted.

Motor carriers participating in relief work are advised to have a copy of these declarations and a statement on company letterhead that a driver is involved in emergency response efforts in each truck. The driver should also have a publicly issued identification (driver's license) and company identification if possible.

Motor carriers and drivers providing direct emergency relief to, from, or within the areas covered by the declarations are temporarily relieved from Parts 390-399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, including hours of service, regardless of commodity carried. Drivers are still required to have the proper operating license and must drive in a safe and prudent manner. More information on waivers can be found on FMCSA's Web site.

Motor Carriers can find the State Declaration here and Federal Declaration here for all drivers involved in the emergency response efforts.

Additionally, carriers are advised to go to the LMTA Facebook page here for more immediate updates on road closures and other information. For assistance of any kind, please contact the Louisiana Motor Transport Association Inc, Phone: 225-928-5682, Fax: 225-928-0500, email: [email protected]

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