exemption for Canadian Carriers providing relief services

Canadian Carriers get a helping hand from FMCSA after B.C.’s historic flooding

The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has provided an exemption for Canadian carriers providing relief to British Columbia which is still being affected by severe flooding and road closures.

Many areas of BC are still cut off as road crews now work to move debris and repair roads.

The exemptions for Canadian carriers providing relief services are as follows:

  • Canadian trucking companies and drivers, who hold class 1,2,and 3 licences are allowed to operate from Canada to other parts in Canada by passing through the United States without a DOT number. This is provided that the driver/carrier holds a valid National Safety Code (NSC) certificate number, proof of registration in Canada, and do not have a conditional or unsatisfactory safety rating.
  • During the exemption the FMCSA will not enforce parts of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Regime and Clearing House.

This will be in effect until January 31, 2022, or until it is cancelled by authorities.

You can read the details of the Emergency Declaration here.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance have also put together a document to serve as guidance for domestic Canadian Weights and Dimensions to be allowed during in transit movements while operating in the U.S..

You can check the Government of B.C.’s page for a list of areas with restricted travel. As well B.C. is prioritizing fuel for essential vehicles, so there are fuel restrictions in place for anyone not transporting essential goods in these areas:

  • Lower Mainland (Vancouver to Hope)
  • Sea to Sky (Squamish to Pemberton)
  • Sunshine Coast
  • Gulf Islands
  • Vancouver Islands

Recently the travel restrictions on Highway 7 have been lifted between Mission and Hope. Restrictions remains on Highway 99 and Highway 3 to non-essential traffic. A temporary route that goes through Washington State has been established for Highway 3 essential goods.

Highway 99 is said to be difficult for large vehicles to navigate at this time, although it too is open for essential traffic.

Highway 11 was reopened with a single lane for passenger vehicles.

While many highways have been opened, be aware that conditions remain far from normal. Be prepared for slower than normal posted speed limits.

CTV News has put together a listing of current closure for major highways

“Highway 1

  •  Open between Exit 90 and Exit 109 (Abbotsford to Chilliwack) but drivers are warned to expect slow traffic with reduced speed limits. Commercial vehicles over 63,500 kg aren’t permitted.
  •  Open between Exit 138 and Exit 165 (Hope to east of Chilliwack) but drivers are warned to expect delays with some sections with single-lane in each direction.
  •  Open with travel advisory between Exit 170 and Kahmoose Road (south of Jackass Mountain Summit to Hope).
  •  Closed between Junction Highway 12 and Junction Highway 8 (Lytton to Spences Bridge) due to rock slide.
  •  Closed between Kahmoose Road and Main Street (Lytton to south of Jackass Mountain Summit) due to flooding and mudslide.

Highway 11

  •  Open between Hazelwood Avenue and Clayburn Road for passenger and emergency vehicles only. No left turn onto Highway 11 from Valley Road.

Highway 3

  •  Open for essential travel only between Hope and Princeton. Checkpoint in place and no stopping is permitted in Merritt or Princeton for vehicles over 14,500 kg.

Highway 5

  •  Closed between Hope and Merritt due to washouts.

Highway 8

  •  Closed between Highway 8 and Petit Creek Road (west of Merritt to Spences Bridge) due to washout.

Highway 99

  • Open for essential travel only between Lil’wat Place and Seton Lake Road (north of Pemberton to Lillooet). Checkpoint in place. “

For a full and up-to-date listing of highway closures and detours be sure to visit drivebc.ca

It’s during times like this it’s nice to see Canada and the United States cooperating to make sure that people are getting the necessities of life.