Flatbed trailer with a row of strapped drums parked under palm trees

By the Connect Express Team, Glendale, AZ. Published October 23, 2026.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed Executive Order 2026-03 on October 13, 2026. It declares a state of emergency in every Arizona county because of ongoing disruptions to the diesel fuel market, and it changes two things for trucks that haul farm and ranch freight on state roads. The order took effect October 16 and runs until it is rescinded or December 31, 2026, whichever comes first. Here is what it says, taken from the order itself and from ADOT.

Why the order was signed

The order points to the conflict involving Iran, attacks on Middle East oil and gas infrastructure and reduced transport through the Strait of Hormuz. It says unstable diesel prices for Arizona farmers and ranchers raise food prices for everyone in the state. For this week’s pump prices, see our Arizona diesel price watch.

Free overweight permits up to 90,800 lbs on non-interstate highways

The order directs the ADOT Director to treat commercial vehicle loads with a gross vehicle weight between 80,001 and 90,800 pounds as “nonreducible” for permits on non-interstate highways, and ADOT may not charge a fee for these permits. It applies only to vehicles engaged solely in:

distributing the products of agricultural operations, or
transporting goods or equipment required for agricultural operations.

The order defines agricultural operations as producing crops, livestock, poultry and their products at a facility in Arizona. “Distribution” covers only crops moving from the point of harvest to the point of unloading, and livestock and live poultry as defined in A.R.S. § 3-1201. ADOT’s commercial vehicle permits page confirms that since October 16, qualifying loads can apply for an overweight permit through the permit office.

Interstates are not covered. The federal limit on the Interstate System stays at 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (23 CFR 658.17). The order only “encourages” the federal government to allow 90,800 pounds on interstates. A load routed on I-10 or I-17 still has to be legal at 80,000 pounds. Our guide to getting oversize permits covers how permits work.

Dyed diesel enforcement is de-prioritized for farm vehicles

Through December 31, 2026, state agencies are told to de-prioritize enforcement of the ban on dyed diesel fuel on non-interstate highways, and not to start inspections, citations or other enforcement based solely on dyed diesel, for vehicles engaged solely in agricultural operations, farm product distribution or hauling goods and equipment for farms. The order says nothing in it can contravene federal or state law. ADOT was told to train its enforcement staff by October 16.

What the order does not do

It doesn’t cover general freight. A load of building materials or retail goods gets no weight increase.
It doesn’t mention hours of service. FMCSA’s automatic relief under 49 CFR 390.23 applies only to carriers giving “direct assistance” in an emergency, and FMCSA’s definition in 49 CFR 390.5 excludes routine commercial deliveries. On October 5, FMCSA changed that automatic relief from 14 days back to 30 days for regional emergencies. Don’t assume this order changes driver hours.

What this means for shippers and carriers

Growers, packers and feed suppliers: check whether your move fits the order’s narrow definitions before planning heavier loads, and ask ADOT’s permit office first.
Produce and other perishables: most reefer loads run on interstates, where nothing changes. See our refrigerated transportation service for temperature-controlled freight.
Everyone else: plan to legal weights and budget for diesel volatility through year-end.

Connect Express plans truckload freight across Arizona from our base in Glendale, AZ, at 5701 W Maryland Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301. Questions about how this order affects a load? Call 480-401-1998 or email admin@connectexpressllc.com.