The American Trucking Associations (ATA) asked the federal government to delay implementing changes to the hours-of-service regulations until three months after the group’s current legal challenge ends.
"We're arguing the case on March 15. The compliance date is July 1, so that doesn't leave a lot of time for carriers or law enforcement to prepare if the court overturns or changes the rule," said Prasad Sharma, vice president and deputy chief counsel of American Trucking Associations, while addressing attendees at The NATSO Show last week in Savannah, Ga. ATA anticipates that the court wouldn't issue its decision until late May or early June.
ATA said the delay would reduce confusion and unnecessary law enforcement training in the event that the rule changes. The HOS changes restrict how drivers can use the optional 34-hour restart to reset their weekly driving limits of 60 hours in seven days, or 70 hours in eight days. Drivers will be able to use it only once every seven days, and it must include two periods from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. The new regulation also requires drivers take a half-hour rest break before driving more than eight hours.
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This article originally ran in NATSO News Weekly (NNW), NATSO's member only weekly electronic newsletter. NNW is packed with the latest updates on government and business issues affecting the truckstop and travel plaza industry. If you aren't reading NNW, you are missing out. Not a member? Join today or submit a request to receive additional information. If you are a member and not receiving NNW, submit a request to be added to the email list. |
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