The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), the largest national trade association, recently emphasized its support for modernizing hours-of-service regulations, stating that it is looking forward to Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
“The hours-of-service regulations for commercial truck drivers need to be updated to match the realities of freight movement and to truly improve highway safety,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer said. “The trucking industry is in a situation where we have never had more regulations and greater enforcement and compliance. Yet, truck-related crash numbers are going in the wrong direction. It’s time for a new approach.”
Current regulations do not reflect the physical capabilities or limitations of individual drivers, provide no flexibility, and are overly complicated, OOIDA said. The regulations also force drivers on the road when they are tired, during adverse weather or road conditions, and during busy travel times, OOIDA said.
Drivers’ schedules are at the mercy of shippers and receivers, and this creates conflict between operating safely and in compliance, OOIDA said.
Earlier this year, OOIDA petitioned the FMCSA and recommended the 30-minute break requirement be eliminated, and that off-duty drivers be allowed to take scheduled rest breaks.