Truckers would have welcomed Minnesota officials reworking the Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” to reopen a dozen rest areas.

But Minnesota’s more than 62 public rest areas remain barricaded as state officials near the two-week mark of their shutdown of all but crucial government services that began July 1.

John Hausladen, president of the Minnesota Trucking Association, said Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin of the Ramsey County District Court denied the MTA’s petition late July 11. The MTA had requested that she order reopening of the state’s rest areas and its Driver and Vehicle Service credentialing services.

Gearin based her ruling of the recommendation of Special Master Kathleen Blatz, who stated these requested services are non-critical government functions. The Ramsey County judge appointed the former state Supreme Court chief justice to evaluate which services should be continued in the absence of a budget agreement.

Minnesota officials have not indicated when they hope to have the issue resolved. Until then, truckers will find state public rest areas closed and be unable to get Minnesota CDLs, hazardous waste endorsements, apportioned license plates and motor vehicle records, Hausladen said.

Truckers should work with their dispatchers on routing and ask shippers and receivers to accommodate the situation, he advised. They also should contact the governor’s office or their legislator and tell them how the shutdown is affecting their business.