In response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster, both state and federal governments are taking action to deliver aid and support to affected areas.

Dive Brief

Maryland has suspended International Fuel Tax Association requirements for port truckers, while the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has prolonged its emergency declaration for drivers aiding the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse response.

According to a letter from Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman to IFTA Executive Director and CEO Carmen Martorana, the waiver of IFTA rules will be effective until May 31 for motor carriers transporting cargo to or from a seaport. Lierman also stated that the state will push back the April 30 quarterly IFTA tax return deadline to June 30.

Meanwhile, the FMCSA's declaration eases maximum driving time and Electronic Logging Device regulations for drivers directly engaged in supporting emergency relief efforts, extending the 11-hour driving time restriction by an additional two hours. This relief measure remains in effect until May 9 or the conclusion of the emergency situation.

Dive Insight

State and federal authorities have addressed half of the six critical requirements identified by the Maryland Motor Truck Association in the aftermath of the bridge collapse, as detailed in a letter to the state transportation secretary.

Key measures such as extensions to driver hours of service, exceptions to Electronic Logging Device (ELD) regulations, and waivers for the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) were among the association's primary appeals. Additional requests encompassed waivers for the International Registration Plan, controlled opening of routes for fuel transporters, and financial support for local enterprises.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced the allocation of $60 million in state relief, complementing $60 million in federal emergency aid, following the collapse. Louis Campion, President and CEO of the Maryland Motor Truck Association, emphasized in his correspondence the importance of tapping into all available resources, drawing attention to the Small Business Administration's assistance in a similar incident in Philadelphia involving the collapse of an Interstate 95 overpass.

Campion underscored the significant impact of a freight diversion to another port or mode of transportation on the local intermodal trucking sector, highlighting the gravity of the situation for industry stakeholders.