FMCSA Publishes Start Date for Hours of Service Modifications

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) officially published modifications to Hours of Service (HOS) regulatory provisions on June 1, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) reports. Motor carriers and drivers can implement the modifications starting September 29, 2020.

NPGA notes that the modifications include improving the short-haul operation exemption by extending the maximum on-duty time from 12- to 14-hours and expanding the maximum air-mile radius from 100- to 150-air miles. The modifications also include changes to the regulations on adverse driving conditions, 30-minute rest break requirements, and split sleeper-berth. NPGA estimates these modifications could save the industry more than $11 million annually in paperwork costs, and provide 30,000 bobtail drivers more time to serve customers during deliveries.

The official final rule by FMCSA is available here: https://files.constantcontact.com/a7b3299a001/5a1e6900-823c-4a05-ae4c-080ba5ebc45b.pdf
NPGA crafted a fact sheet to assist members in implementing the new Hours of Service provisions. The fact sheet is available here: https://files.constantcontact.com/a7b3299a001/f561ef46-74e9-42a1-97a2-cc1460b3b9ee.pdf

SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, June 4, 2020. Weekly Propane Newsletter subscribers receive all the latest posted and spot prices from major terminals and refineries around the U.S. delivered to inboxes every week. Receive a center spread of posted prices with hundreds of postings updated each week, along with market analysis, insightful commentary, and much more not found elsewhere.