Nearly one-third of the U.S. Senate has called on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to modify hours of service (HOS) regulations for commercial vehicle drivers.
In a letter addressed to FMCSA Administrator Raymond Martinez last Thursday, a group of 30 senators argued the need for greater flexibility within HOS regulations to ensure drivers across differing businesses and operations can safely and efficiently comply with such requirements, instead of the current “one-size-fits-all” model.
“It is our hope that, under your leadership, FMCSA will be able to improve regulations and address issues within HOS regulations for all drivers, including long-haul drivers, short-haul drivers, agricultural and livestock haulers,” the letter said. “We suggest FMCSA examine a wide range of options to address HOS issues and ensure safety, including, but not limited to, providing certain allowances for unique businesses or driver operations, elimination of unnecessary requirements or improved utilization of non-driving time.”
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), which expressed support for the letter, said current regulations are overly complex, provide no flexibility and do not reflect the physical capabilities or limitations of individual drivers.
U.S. Rep Brian Babin, R-Texas, introduced legislation, H.R. 5417, The Responsible and Effective Standards for Truckers (REST) Act, in March to “modernize” HOS regulations.
The legislation would allow drivers to take one rest break per shift, for up to three consecutive hours, which would not be counted toward the driver’s 14-hour on-duty allowance. It also would eliminate the existing 30-minute rest break requirement. However, drivers would still need to log 10 consecutive hours off duty before starting their next work shift.