Michigan weight limits lifted for trucks carrying COVID-19 supplies

The state of Michigan has announced trucks hauling supplies for coronavirus relief are exempt from seasonal weight restrictions.

The state of Michigan announced Sunday that semitrailers hauling applies for COVID-19 relief are exempt from seasonal weight restrictions. Stores have been short on food, hygiene and other crucial items as residents prepare to limit their exposure by staying home.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the executive order temporarily lifting the restrictions, saying “This is a crisis unlike any we’ve dealt with before, and we must do everything we can to ensure our communities have the resources they need to get through it as safely as possible.

“This order will help us deliver the supplies people need to slow the spread of coronavirus and protect the most people we can. It’s crucial that during this time, we continue to work together to protect our families and loved ones. I will keep working with leaders across state government to put the best interest of Michiganders first.”

Michigan Department of Transportation Director Paul Ajegba agreed it was a time of collective action for the greater good. “Knowing the importance of getting food and other supplies to retailers during this time, we are taking steps to ensure carriers can make deliveries as quickly and efficiently as possible,” he said.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a national emergency declaration which established the limited exemption: “Direct assistance means transportation and other relief services provided by a motor carrier or its driver(s) to the immediate restoration of essential services, such as medical care, or essential supplies such as food, related to COVID-19 outbreaks during the emergency.”