Louisiana Forestry Association Updates on Hurricane Rita

There are no estimates yet on damage to forests in the path of Hurricane Rita but hope to have a flyover mid-week and ground reports. Damage is also expected in east Texas and Gov. Rick Perry has already issued the motor carrier waiver that would pertain to log trucks working salvage. The following explains the new order:

Waiver for Motor Carriers
Gov. Rick Perry issued a letter outlining a waiver for commercial motor carriers invovled in the disaster relief recovery efforts of Hurricane Rita. The governor directs Texas DOT to suspend all oversize/overweight permitting requirements and fees for motor carriers involved in relief efforts with the exception of exceeding posted weight limits on bridges. Carriers with loads over 14 feet are required to contact Texas DOT Motor Carrier Division at 512-465-3592 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours call 512-658-1149.
Gov. Perry also directs DPS to suspend all size and weight enforcement for mator carriers in relief efforts.

All Motor Carrier registration, single state registration, the International registration plan, International fuel tax agreement and requirements regarding the purchase of trip permits for registration and fuel for commercial carriers are suspended for motor carriers traveling within or into Texas to assist with relief efforts.

Hours of service limitations are temporarily suspended and carriers not involved in recovery efforts that were caught in traffic are exceused from hours of service overages noted in their logbooks.

Insurance, CDL and safety requirements are not suspended. Motor carriers traveling into or within Texas must have liability insurance at limits required by Texas or their home state.
The waiver is in effect through Oct. 31, 2005, unless extended or repealed.