Emergency Fuel Transportation Exemption During CMV Travel Restrictions
The PPA routinely receives feedback and questions from members regarding the state-issued commercial vehicle (CMV) travel restrictions. Most companies are familiar with the 5 Tier Structure which can be found here. When PennDOT, PA Emergency Management Administration (PEMA), PA State Police, and the PA Turnpike Commission originally created the policy framework in 2019/2020, the PPA worked with the state to ensure an essential fuel delivery could still occur if an active CMV travel restriction was in place.
The following exemption is defined within the framework for this activity:
- Liquid fuels delivery vehicles (propane, fuel oil, gasoline, etc.) making emergency deliveries to individuals, critical infrastructure nodes, businesses, emergency services or public works agencies without fuel or dangerously low on fuel which could result in a life safety issue or inability to sustain response operations if not accomplished.
- For the purposes of this framework “dangerously low” is defined as 36 hours or less of remaining fuel supply
CLICK HERE to view the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Inclement Winter Weather Travel Restriction and Ban Framework. The specific verbiage regarding an exemption for dangerously low on fuel can be found on page 14.
The PPA recommends that members have their drivers keep a copy of the framework in the truck to reference the exemption if necessary. It is also recommended that the driver is able to provide paper/electronic documentation to provide proof of the emergency delivery if operating under the exemption during an active travel restriction.
The framework also has verbiage that outlines certain circumstances where a local exemption can be granted for operators that have an extenuating need to transit short sections of limited-access highway that is under travel restriction or ban. The following exemptions may be considered and granted by PennDOT or other applicable state agencies with statutory authority when travel restrictions and/or bans extend greater than 24 hours:
- Bulk liquid fuels delivery to support critical infrastructure and back-up power operations.
- Hospital and healthcare supplies (including medical gases) to resupply medical facilities.
- Transport of other critical commodities, as needed, to support life safety and sustainment operations.
Any approved exemptions will be communicated to affected stakeholders and will be distributed via the same channels utilized by state agencies as part of the coordinated messaging plan.
Note: No local exemptions are currently in place but there are reports of increased fuel demand due to natural gas interruptibles. If your company is impacted and a local exemption is necessary, please contact the PPA.
The PPA encourages members to use 511PA to stay updated on the latest weather information and road conditions/restrictions.
If you have questions about the CMV Travel Restrictions or the potential exemptions, please contact Ted Harris at tharris@papetroleum.org.
