Truckers Ensure Jet Fuel Supply During Pipeline Repairs
Truck drivers are diligently working to deliver jet fuel to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport while the Olympic Pipeline is being repaired.
The Olympic Pipeline, which extends from Whatcom County to Oregon, is currently under maintenance, leading to an increased reliance on truckers to transport fuel from the BP Cherry Point Refinery in Blaine to SEA International Airport.
In response, Governor Bob Ferguson has issued a state of emergency to relax regulations for fuel transport by trucks, allowing them to operate with fewer constraints.
One trucker highlighted the importance of their role, stating, “Keeping those planes flying so people can get to their destination for Thanksgiving,” underlining the significance of their efforts during the holiday season.
Another trucker pointed out that, “Everybody’s just been running as much as they can legally, safely, and taking their 10 hours off and getting back to it.”
Truckers are transporting 10,000-gallon loads to the fuel farm at SEA, with each trip taking about 7 to 8 hours to complete, including refueling, driving, and unloading.
One driver mentioned working nearly 15 hours the previous day and intends to continue making deliveries as needed. The emergency declaration has allowed them to work longer hours, with one trucker expressing appreciation, saying, “Governor said I can work so I’m gonna go use it.”
Despite the long shifts, truckers are dedicated to their work, with one stating, “I love my job so I could be in this thing 24 hours a day, it don’t matter to me… so making money.” While the completion timeline for the pipeline repairs is unknown, a trucker remarked, “Who knows, when the pipeline’s fixed, pipeline’s fixed.” Senator Maria Cantwell has also reached out to BP for updates. As repairs continue, truckers remain essential in ensuring that fuel supplies for SEA International Airport are uninterrupted, particularly during this peak travel season.
