If you are familiar with commercial trucking, any issue seems to come back to the CDL driver. The never-ending dilemma of controlling behavior, for better or worse, is always upon us. When a new rule is implemented, it is usually with a lot of comments and consideration. This fall we have another example.
FMCSA’s highly anticipated Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, released August 14, would allow truck drivers more flexibility with their 30-minute rest break and with dividing their time in the sleeper berth. It also would extend by two hours the duty time for drivers encountering adverse weather and extend the short-haul exemption by lengthening the drivers’ maximum on-duty period from 12 hours to 14 hours. It also seeks to increase the short-haul exemption distance limit in which drivers can operate from 100 air miles to 150 air miles.
Public comment on the rule is expected to close October 7. Highly respected members of several groups have urged FMCSA to extend the comment period. Any rule change around Hours of Service (HOS) has an impact, and not the same impact to all. Many believe that more time is needed to obtain credible insight from the industry. No decision has been made on the extension, but time still exists to get your comments on the record. For more on this topic, click here.
If you or your company have questions or concerns regarding the future of regulations, you should speak with a professional who understands their impact. AssuredPartners Transportation has professionals who assist clients in this area. To learn more, visit AssuredPartners Transportation or contact our transportation specialists.
