Central Iowa truckers have been facing hour‑long queues at Magellan fuel terminals as the pipeline struggles to keep pace with soaring demand. To address the bottleneck, Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster‑emergency proclamation Thursday that temporarily suspends Iowa Code § 321.449, the regulation governing crew and driver hours of service for diesel, gasoline, ethanol and biodiesel deliveries.
Proclamation details
The proclamation, effective immediately and set to expire on November 28, 2026, lifts the usual limits on how many hours drivers may be on duty, while still enforcing federal safety standards such as drug testing, commercial driver’s license requirements and fatigue protections. Drivers who request rest must receive at least ten consecutive hours off duty, and any driver who has worked more than 70 hours in an eight‑day period must be granted a minimum of 34 consecutive hours off.
Why the relief matters
Industry experts with Fuel Iowa explain that the problem is not a fuel shortage but a pipeline capacity issue. With Magellan consolidating operations at a larger terminal in Pleasant Hill, many haulers are forced to wait hours to fill their tanks, reducing the typical four‑to‑five loads per day to just one or two. That slowdown translates into a sharp decline in productivity for a sector that keeps Iowa’s farms, schools and gas stations running.
“The suspension of hours‑of‑service limits gives carriers the flexibility they need to move more product through the system,” said a Fuel Iowa spokesperson. “It’s a pragmatic response that respects safety while helping our agricultural economy stay fed and our communities powered.”
Governor’s rationale
In the proclamation, Governor Reynolds cited strained refinery and terminal maintenance, high agricultural demand, and the longer wait times that motor carriers are experiencing. By temporarily easing state‑level crew‑hours rules, the administration hopes to accelerate fuel deliveries without compromising the federal safety framework that protects drivers and the public.
Industry response
ONEOK, the parent company of Magellan, acknowledged broader supply constraints and strong regional demand as factors affecting product availability at certain terminals. The company’s statement emphasized that the relief measures align with ongoing efforts to stabilize the fuel market across Iowa.
Looking ahead
The proclamation will remain in effect for 30 days, giving the state a window to assess whether the regulatory pause improves terminal throughput and eases the pressure on truckers. If successful, the administration may consider additional steps to support the state’s vital transportation and agricultural sectors.
For now, Iowa’s diesel haulers and the businesses that rely on them have a welcome reprieve, thanks to Governor Reynolds’ decisive action to keep the state’s fuel supply moving.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
