Governor extends hours for commercial truckers hauling fuel

(Help from KVLY, Fargo) Bismarck, N.D. (AP) Governor Hoeven has issued an executive order that extends the service hours for commercial truck drivers hauling fuel.

Officials say a low supply of gasoline caused by refinery slowdowns is threatening to create regional shortages especially in the eastern part of the state.

Hoeven's spokesman, Don Canton, says the executive order waives the 15-hour limit on the truck drivers' work shifts. He says some drivers must wait as long as 12 hours at terminals to get fuel.

The order is in effect until July 7th, unless the problem eases before then. And safety rules and other driver qualifications still apply.

In West Fargo, a line of trucks stretched for a mile at the Magellan pipeline terminal yesterday.

Truck driver Brad Sondrol said the Grand Forks terminal has been out of gasoline for weeks. the president of the state Petroleum Marketers Association, Mike Rud (ROOD), says other terminals are in the same boat.

Canton said Minnesota and South Dakota also have waived restrictions on drivers' hours.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-29-07 2021CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list