by TQL
10/12/2010
Spearheaded by Public Citizen and supported by a variety of other groups, a petition was filed earlier this summer that proposed changes to truck drivers’ Hours of Service rules. Currently, the rules allow for 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour on-duty period, followed by a mandatory 10-hour rest. However, the groups claim that these rules create dangerous driving conditions. They argue that the new changes, which would cap driving time at 8 hours a day and lessen the maximum work day (including time spent loading and waiting) to 12 hours, would ensure a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep each night as well as allow amble time for drivers to perform other daily non-work related tasks.
However, the American Trucking Association & Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, among other industry organizations, support the current rule. They point to data on industry safety. Under the current rule, the number and rate of large truck fatal crashes have steadily declined over the years, with 2008 being the safest on record since the Department of Transportation began compiling data in 1975. Additionally, they believe the changes would have a substantial impact on the cost & efficiency of the trucking industry and on shipping distribution networks.
Under the new rule, daily driving time is cut by 3 hours and total work day by 2 hours. This may shorten the daily length haul for many truckers by as much as 100 to 150 miles, making it difficult for shippers with longer supply chains or tight just-in-time delivery networks. As a result, they say, shippers may need to rethink the locations of distribution centers or change delivery schedules in order to avoid delayed/disrupted deliveries or decreases in customer service levels.
Rates will likely increase as well. Consider how drivers’ per mile rate will change if they have fewer hours to work in a day or if they have to hire more drivers and buy more equipment to maintain available capacity. Finally, some fear the changes will lead to increases in overall highway congestion or a greater shift of truckload business to rail.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reviewed the proposal and sent its recommendations to Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood in June. The changes currently sit in the hands of the Office of Management and Budget. A ruling is expected to be published by November.
Next: Read our ten tips on how your business can prepare for the Hours of Service changes.
Sources: The Journal of Commerce, Transport Topics, Federal Highway Administration's Office of Motor Carrier Research and The National Industrial Transportation League.
