Newsroom — View Article

 

  leftarrowBack To Newsroom | documentsRelated Articles | Email This Article
 
 NASSTRAC Calls for Release of Hours of Service Rules  
 Release Date 11/10/2010     
   
  Contact:
  Brian Everett, ABC, Executive Director
952-442-8850 x201
   
  NASSTRAC Calls for Release of Hours of Service Rules
   
  MINNEAPOLIS, MN— A recurring theme in recent weeks has been the importance of reducing uncertainty to promote economic growth. Congress recessed for the November 2 elections without producing a new federal budget, or addressing the future of the Bush tax cuts or the estate tax, or making progress toward a new Highway Bill. A key area of uncertainty for carriers and shippers is the next proposal for truck driver Hours of Service rules. According to Mike Regan, chairman of NASSTRAC’s advocacy committee, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration should publish its proposal now, to allow public comment and debate. NASSTRAC is an industry association providing advocacy, education, and provider relations to transportation executives.

The proposed rules went to the Office of Management and Budget for its review on July 26, 2010. This process normally takes 90 days but was extended, raising questions of whether the rules were delayed to avoid added controversy before the elections. “The elections are now over,” said Regan, “and we are still waiting for FMCSA’s proposal.”

Since 2003, carriers and shippers have been operating under rules that allow no more than 11 hours driving time per shift, and no less than 34 hours time off between workweeks. Under those rules, highway fatalities have dropped, and the reduction from 2008 to 2009 was particularly dramatic. Despite these facts, and the fact that just-in-time supply chains and carrier dispatching have been designed based on the current HOS rules, there are organizations that want to reduce the hours drivers can work, which would also reduce their pay.

Under a court settlement, FMCSA must issue its final rules by July 2011, with implementation by December 2011. NASSTRAC intends to oppose any reduction in driver Hours of Service, but is concerned that continued delay in releasing the latest proposal will give the public limited time to develop arguments against the proposed reductions FMCSA is reportedly planning. “How can motor carriers create business plans, make capital investments or hire drivers when they have no idea what rules will apply in 2012 and beyond?” asked Regan. “It is imperative for the Obama Administration and FMCSA to stop sitting on the HOS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Let the HOS debate begin.”
   
  NASSTRAC provides education, advocacy, provider relations, and networking for professionals involved in all modes of transportation, ranging from full truckload and LTL to containerization and global logistics. For more information, visit www.NASSTRAC.org.