With the Port of New York and New Jersey now open for business, a transportation consultancy pegged the damage to the Northeast supply chain at US$1 billion early this month. The estimate from IHS Global Insight did not include the cost of repairing any damage to the infrastructure caused by the storm. The figure includes escalating labour and maintenance costs, damage to facilities, and the opportunity costs of cargo that was either delayed or couldn’t be delivered at all, according to the consultancy. The Washington publication DC Velocity reported that, on the roads, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a regional waiver of its driver “hours-ofservice” requirements. Drivers and equipment were allowed to work longer-than-usual hours in order to rush supplies to storm-stricken areas. In addition, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Illinois lifted their weight limits for trucks operating on interstate highways. The moves allowed trucks to operate with a gross vehicle weight – tractor, trailer, and cargo – of more than 80 000 pounds so they could deliver relief equipment to affected areas. New Jersey raised its weight limit to 100 000 pounds for trucks carrying fuel, food, and water and to 120 000 pounds for vehicles moving heavy and oversized consignments like generators. Connecticut raised its weight limit to 92 000 pounds for all items. In addition the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey waived tolls on its bridges, tunnels and crossings for commercial vehicles travelling between New York and New Jersey to assist in relief efforts.
