Mid-West Truckers Association applauding governor’s decision to waive overweight trucking permits

Schaefer says the need to move supplies during this crisis has grown significantly in the last ten days. (Photo courtesy: Flickr)

By Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – An Illinois trucking leader applauded the governor’s decision to waive overweight trucking permits for the movement of emergency relief supplies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The order, effective through April 12, does not apply to posted bridges and local highways with special and seasonal weight restrictions

Don Schaefer, executive vice president of the Mid-West Truckers Association, said the declaration will help open up the supply chain.

“The important part to remember is when we are talking heavy loads, we are talking about commodities that are directly involved with the response to the coronavirus,” said Schaefer.

Schaefer said the wide range of products consumers are stocking up on during the crisis was amazing.

“[It’s a] pretty broad range. It could be groceries, it could be medicines,” he said. “People are stocking up on crazy things like salt for their water softeners.”

Illinois Radio Network can be reached at [email protected]

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