To avoid the potential for gasoline and diesel shortages during the shutdown of the West Shore Pipeline from Milwaukee to Green Bay, the Wisconsin Departments of Transportation and Administration have authorized motor carriers to transport overweight loads of petroleum products, such as fuel and oil, through Jan. 3, 2017.
Motor carriers will be able to travel into and throughout the state so that any potential gasoline and diesel shortages are avoided, as demand is high this time of year with the impending winter heating season.
During the energy emergency, Governor Scott Walker has sought to grant to carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles in the process of obtaining and transporting petroleum products an exemption from the divisible load limits in state statutes.
This exemption authorizes only weights that are not more than 10 percent greater than the gross axle weight and axle combination weight limitations and not more than 15 percent greater than the gross vehicle weight limitations. The waiver doesn't apply to commercial motor vehicles operating on highways designated as interstates except for the I-39 and I-41 corridors.
