State, National Orders Lift Restrictions On Trucking Hours To Deliver Virus Supplies

Gov. Eric Holcomb signed an executive order Friday meant to help get groceries and medical supplies to Hoosiers during the coronavirus outbreak. It lifts restrictions on the number of hours commercial truckers can drive.

Truck drivers can usually work up to 14 hours a day with a mandatory 10-hour rest. Now, they can complete a delivery of food, consumer goods and emergency supplies no matter how long it takes. The governor's executive order mirrors a move by the federal government to lift regulations.

READ MORE: What Do You Need To Know About Coronavirus? We’ve Got Answers.

Tim Wingate is a driver for Schneider trucking. He says it’s good for the supply chain, but he worries less experienced drivers might get tired and fall asleep on the road.

“It’s a good thing because we can get medicine to people quicker and it can be a bad thing because, not knowing who is taking it, it could be a guy fresh out of school or it could be a guy like me with 11 years or somebody with even more experience,” he says.

This federal government’s ease of regulations is in effect until midnight April 12, but the state’s will last until April 5.

Contact Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.

This is a rapidly evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Indiana State Department of Health for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.