Comments sought on fuel transport request for exemption from 30-minute rest break requirement

Oct. 4, 2017

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety (FMCSA) is seeking comments regarding an application from the National Tank Truck Carriers Inc (NTTC) requesting exemption for fuel transport drivers from the requirement that drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) take a 30-minute rest break. Comments must be received on or before October 26.

The exemption would enable drivers engaged in the transportation of petroleum-based fuels to use 30 minutes of time attending the load to satisfy the 30-minute rest break requirement. The request for the exemption was published in the August 27 issue of the Federal Register.

“We requested this relief because these drivers receive more than adequate rest while unloading their vehicles at service stations,” said Boyd Stephenson, NTTC senior vice-president, government affairs. “We also asked for the relief because forcing drivers transporting bulk hazardous materials to take an unplanned break creates security risks. However, to ensure that there is some safety oversight, we limited the request to drivers operating trucks equipped with electronic logging devices.”

Comments should be submitted for Docket Number FMCSA–2017–0270, and can be mailed to the Docket Management Facility, US Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington DC 20590–0001 or sent by Fax to 202–493–2251.

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