Modified Hours of Service (HOS) Have Been Implemented

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is reminding the propane industry that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has published several modifications to Hours of Service (HOS) regulatory provisions, including expanding and extending elements of the short-haul operation exemption. As of Sept. 29, 2020, motor carriers and drivers can begin implementing these modifications.

Among the modifications included are 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 will save the industry more than $11 million annually in paperwork costs, and provide 30,000 bobtail drivers more time to serve customers during deliveries.

NPGA members are invited to peruse the Fact Sheet crafted by the association to assist members in implementing the new hours of service provisions. The Fact Sheet is also available on the Membership Dashboard of the NPGA website, npga.org.

SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, October 8, 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.